Back like a bad habit. One of my favorite ones. People use the words “hidden gem” too loosely, but I would get this spot’s GPS coordinates tattooed on my arm if it meant I could eat here the rest of my life.

It’s called Hama Momiji in Yokohama and is genuinely one of the best tsukemen around. And the crazy thing is, there’s never a line. They make their noodles by hand, in-house, with bags of flour stacked up at the entrance when you walk in next to the noodle machine.

They have five different types of noodles, ranging in thickness, texture, and waviness. I always go for the extra-thick, hand-massaged ones. I love the bite and the way that getting the extra-thick style lets you appreciate their flour blend.

It’s a husband-and-wife duo, and they’re always super friendly. It seems like one generally manages the noodles and the other preps the plates.

The soup is a pork-and-fish blend. A little bit sweet. Not too fishy. All-around pleaser for anybody. And arguably the most addictive thing is their special plate, which comes with succulent flame-grilled pork belly to order, a marinated egg, tangy bamboo shoots, and the softest gyoza added to your soup.

If you’ve been following me for a while, I post about this place often. But that’s because I keep going back—and I just can’t keep a secret. Less