Recommended bowl: Fan turned master

Kabo-chan is named after the nickname of its master, Kubokawa-san. Before opening Kabo-chan, Kubokawa-san was just another ramen junkie reading the mags and eating at all the best shops around Tokyo. Eventually, he felt he had what it takes to move behind the counter.

Kabo-chan's specialty is a shoyu niboshi ramen, topped with choice pork chashu and chicken. Wontons can be added as an extra topping (we always go for it). The miso ramen is also solid. Tsukemen is available too. Everything on the menu is legit.

The shop is located on a cool little shotengai about seven minutes by foot from Komagome station on the Yamanote line. There are just six seats and Kabo-chan mans everything himself – no support staff. In the summer months, the shop serves shaved ice (kaki-gori). A nice touch.