A favorite for heat seekers. This version emphasizes the 'Ma' (numbing) and 'La' (spicy) aspects of the dish, adding extra Szechuan peppercorns and a more potent chili oil. It maintains the same creamy sesame backbone but with a significantly more intense aromatics. Reviewers highlight its ability to deliver serious heat without losing the delicate flavors of the base stock.
Tips from diners
The numbing sensation is real! If you're a fan of traditional Szechuan heat, this is the version for you. Pair it with a side of their excellent steamed rice to help balance the burn.
The absolute must-order at Nakiryu. The broth is a masterpiece of layering—creamy from the house-made sesame paste, bright with a touch of vinegar, and spicy from a complex chili oil. It features thin, straight noodles with a perfect al dente bite. The 'Deluxe' version adds several thick slices of tender pork chashu and a perfectly jammy soy-marinated egg. Reviewers consistently praise the broth for having a deep, clean finish without being overly heavy or greasy. It is widely cited as the best Tantanmen in Japan.
Tips from diners
Make sure to stir the bowl thoroughly before you start eating. The sesame paste and chili oil often settle, and the full complexity of the broth only reveals itself when perfectly mixed. It's much lighter than it looks.
While the Tantanmen is the star, the Shoyu ramen is a technical highlight that showcases the kitchen's mastery of traditional stocks. The broth is crystal clear and packed with a refined umami from chicken, beef, and seafood. It's served with different noodles than the Tantanmen, designed to highlight the lighter broth. Reviewers often mention it's the best 'clean' ramen in the neighborhood.
Nakiryu achieved global fame as the second ramen restaurant in Tokyo to earn a Michelin star. Located in a quiet part of Otsuka, it specializes in 'TanTanmen'—a Japanese take on spicy Szechuan noodles. Chef Kazumasa Saito focuses on creating a broth with extreme technical depth, using a blend of chicken, beef, and seafood stocks with house-made sesame paste and a secret chili oil blend. It is celebrated for its incredible balance and its status as one of the best value-for-quality meals in the world.
The line can be 90 minutes or more, even on weekdays. They recently implemented a digital ticket system—arrive at 10:30 AM to walk right into a slot. If you arrive after 1 PM, they may have already stopped taking names for the day.
Otsuka is a quiet, residential neighborhood. It's a great place to see a more authentic side of Tokyo away from the tourist centers. Combine your visit with a ride on the Toden Arakawa Line—the city's last remaining tram.
They use a traditional ticket machine. Have your cash ready—they don't always accept cards. Once you have your ticket, the service is incredibly efficient and your bowl will arrive within 5 minutes of being seated.
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