Nakanoya

Just beyond Nakano Broadway, along Waseda-dori, 横浜家系ラーメン 中野家 is an Iekei ramen shop known for its mellow, creamy broth. The pale tonkotsu-shoyu broth is gentle on the palate and clings well to the chewy, thick noodles. The standard ramen comes topped with chashu pork, spinach and nori; dipping the seaweed into the broth and eating it with rice is another classic pleasure.

There is a good range of broth styles and toppings to choose from: negi ramen pairs the mellow broth with crisp green onions, shio ramen offers a lighter, salt-seasoned option, and spicy tonkotsu ramen brings a gentle heat. Mazemen is another option: thick noodles are tossed with a special sauce, and diners can add vinegar or other seasonings from the table as they eat. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a large bowl of negi-cha-don or some gyoza.

The dining room is mainly counter seating, with a relaxed feel that makes it easy to stop in alone. Open continuously from daytime into the evening, the shop is an easy option after shopping in Nakano, for a late lunch or for a bowl of ramen later at night.