Menya Kikyo

Dipping lustrous thick noodles into a concentrated tare and slurping them down makes for a deeply satisfying lunch or after-work meal. Located in Sanbancho, Chiyoda Ward, Menya Kikyo has built a steady following for its robust straight thick noodles and varied lineup of tsukemen dipping broths.

Dipping Broths from Spicy and Shio to Generous Cuts of Meat

Standing before the ticket machine, the first choice is how to dress the noodles. The popular spicy tsukemen layers a sharp prickle of heat over a savory base of seafood and pork-and-chicken stock, keeping chopsticks moving at a brisk pace. Diners can request adjustments to the spice level, while a refreshing shio tsukemen accented by bright acidity and a classic soy-sauce version round out the choices. For an even heartier bowl, the niku tsukemen delivers tender meat submerged generously in the dipping sauce.

Savoring Springy Strands Down to the Diluted Broth Finish

The star of the bowl is the thick noodle with plenty of chew, substantial even in a standard portion. After working through the noodles coated in tare scented with fish powder, asking for supu-wari—hot dashi to dilute the remaining sauce—lets you sip the savory finish. With seating arranged primarily around a counter, the setting caters well to solo diners focusing quietly on their meal.