Recommended bowl: Respectable tantanmen

Hōzuki prides itself on being a tantanmen specialty shop. Originally located in Ikejiri but relocated to Nakano a decade ago, the shop is tucked away on a side street near the popular Nakano Broadway shopping area. When you place your order you can choose the spice level. The above-average "spicy" level is not that hot for most, so don't be afraid to go for the maximum heat level if you're a fan of fire. The chicken-based stock gets mixed with copious amounts of sesame and chili paste to create a vibrant red soup. The noodles are specially ordered from Maruyama Seimen and made with rye flour. Topped with minced meat, dried shrimp and Chinese-style zasai pickles.