もやしそば / Moyashi Soba / Gifuya — Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shoyu soup is served from a stockpot containing chicken bones, niboshi and whole negi. Flat style noodles are homemade at a factory in Koenji owned by the restaurant’s parent company. Topped with wok-fried bean sprouts, onions, carriots and negi. Fried gyoza on the side.

Gifuya is a Chinese style izakaya and ramen shop located in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho. This small alleyway came to life as a black market sometime in 1946, shortly after WWII. The original Gifuya owner was said to be from Gifu Prefecture (hence the name) and returned to Japan from Manchuria after the war ended. The shop was first a noodle manufacturer and wholesaler, also offering Chinese style dishes based on simple salt seasoning. The 2nd generation owner trained in Yokohama Chinatown and the current 4th generation owner trained at a high-end Chinese restaurant. Open 9am to 2am. 55 seats. Since 1947.