たいよう食堂

The promenade leading to Nakano Broadway, the most random shopping center in the world, is riddled with food. The izakayas hidden down the alleyways are quite charming, but since I was in a hurry, ramen was in order. A light bowl of Okinawa style sokisoba sounded perfect.

I recall I was there shopping for second-hand lenses for my camera. If it weren’t for a basic level of self-control, I would have walked away with a couple vintage Beavis and Butthead dolls, a replica machine gun, and a $12,000 wristwatch. That’s Nakano Broadway for you. This Okinawan noodle shop suffers from a lack of said self-control. The place is… loud.

The walls serve as a menu, and distractions serve to make it a slow choice.

A bowl of sokisoba; light salt broth topped with Okinawan fishcakes and a mass of slow-cooked pork. You can practically drink the meat, it’s so tender.

Add a tablespoon of chili-laced Awamori 泡盛 seasoning (it’s booze), and enjoy. I haven’t had many bowls in the Okinawa style before, and the ones I have had have been after consuming quite a bit of the booze in question. It’s always been good. About the most simple bowl you can imagine.

This stuff isn’t often considered in the same sphere as ramen, so research is tough. Let me get back to you on this one.

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東京都中野区中野5-59-6
Tokyo, Nakano-ku, Nakano 5-59-6
Closest station: Nakano

Open 11:00-15:00, 17:00-late

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たいよう食堂 (Taiyo Shokudo in Nakano)

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ビンギリ (Bingiri in Ogikubo)

HISHIO in Shodoshima