01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Set in a residential pocket of Kotakecho, Nerima Ward, Menya Kintoki offers two sharply contrasting specialties side by side: a delicate shio ramen and an assertive soupless dan dan noodle bowl. Choosing between the quiet depth of a crystal-clear soup and the bold toss of thick noodles coated in Sichuan pepper and chili oil creates an enjoyable dilemma with every visit.
Clear Shio Ramen Layered with Pure Chicken Depth
One of the house signatures is shio ramen, defined by a luminous, transparent soup crafted to coax out chicken's purest savory flavor. Its gentle salinity and clean finish are balanced by supple, straight thin noodles that carry the subtle dashi without distraction. For a more lavish bowl, the special shio ramen provides a generous spread, loaded with honey-glazed chicken, house-made shrimp dumplings, chicken cartilage wontons, and house-made chicken meatballs.
Soupless Dan Dan Noodles Bursting with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper
The shop's other pillar, soupless dan dan noodles, is an authentic preparation layered with house-made chili oil, Sichuan flower pepper, and an array of spices. Tossing the chewy thick noodles thoroughly with minced pork and sauce coats every strand in rich meatiness, tingling numbing heat, and vibrant spice. Diners seeking the mellow nuttiness of sesame can opt for the rich soupless dan dan noodles, while those craving extra kick can dial up the spice and numbing levels.
Seating centers on counter stools in a calm dining room where solo diners can easily concentrate on their bowl. Payment is cash only, and hours are restricted to focused lunch and dinner windows, so it is wise to budget ample time when traveling through the Kotake-mukaihara and Ekoda areas.
