Menya Sugo - 麺屋 周郷 : Tokyo's Best Tsukemen place In Shinbashi

Best Tsukemen place near Shinbashi Station in Tokyo 

Must try hidden Gem: we tried here three times

There are so many delicious restaurants to try in Japan, and we usually don’t revisit the same place — even if it was really good. But this tsukemen spot was an exception — we ended up visiting three times!

Popular to local - Tabelog rating 3.77 and Google rating 4.4

This tsukemen restaurant is extremely popular among locals and is known for its consistently long lines due to its small dining space — there are only five tables inside. Everyone in your group must wait in line together; no one is allowed to hold a spot on behalf of others. Most of the customers are local, with very few tourists. - After getting off at Shinbashi Station, the restaurant is just a straight walk — about 3 minutes away. While waiting in line, you can even watch the trains coming and going.

There is a clear sign showing the opening hours and proper etiquette for lining up while you wait

How to order at the Ticket Machine:

When you get close enough to the ticket machine, you’ll need to purchase a ticket using cash only — cards and large bills are not accepted. The machine only takes 1,000-yen notes. If you don’t have one, there’s a FamilyMart convenience store right across the street where you can break a larger bill. Hold onto your ticket until a staff member comes to collect it. At that point, you’ll be asked to choose your portion size: 150g, 200g, or 250g. Depending on what is included, there are four main menus which is on the top four in the ticket machine:

• Tsukemen (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,300 yen: No egg, no char siu

• Tsukemen with Seasoned Egg (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,400 yen: Includes seasoned egg, no char siu

• Tsukemen with Char Siu Pork (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,600 yen: Includes one slice each of three different types of char siu

• Special Tsukemen (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,700 yen: Includes two slices each of three different types of char siu, plus a seasoned egg

Since most of the customers are locals, the ticket machine isn’t very foreigner-friendly. If you plan to visit, I recommend using Google Photo Translate on the menu in advance to avoid confusion.

What we ordered: 

We ordered the special noodles, which come with two pieces each of three different types of char siu: chicken breast, pork belly, and tenderloin. The dish also includes two kinds of handmade menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), a soft-boiled egg, and seaweed.

My husband also ordered an extra char siu for 500 yen. This set includes one slice each of the shop’s three different char siu styles. We both chose the 150g noodle portion (small size), which was surprisingly filling. We couldn't finish it with a soup wari at the end (I’ve explained more about soup wari below).

I ordered the Special Tsukemen (1,700 yen), which came with two slices each of three different types of char siu.

My husband also ordered the Special Tsukemen (1,700 yen), but he added an extra char siu (500 yen). That meant he got three slices each of all three types of char siu — a very generous portion.

The shop also provides a simple guide on how to enjoy tsukemen in the most delicious way, which I thought was a nice touch.

Review of the flavour:

To enjoy it properly, try the noodles on their own first, then dip them into the broth. The noodles were perfectly cooked — thick, chewy, and an ideal match for the creamy dipping broth. The broth, made from pork, chicken, and five kinds of seafood, was savory, rich, and creamy, without any fishy smell or taste.

The egg was perfectly cooked, with a creamy yolk that balanced the richness of the broth. On top of that, the shop offers two types of chewy, handmade menma (bamboo shoots), which added both flavor and texture. Altogether, the toppings elevated the tsukemen into something truly special.

The egg was perfectly cooked, with a soft, runny center. When mixed with the broth, it made the soup even tastier and more savory.

Don’t miss “Soup Wari” finish

After finishing the noodles, you can ask the staff for "soup wari" (soup dilution). They’ll bring a small serving of dried seaweed, wild vegetables (like short-fruit pimpinella), and sticky rice, which you can mix with the remaining broth to finish the meal cleanly and without waste.

Final Thought 

I’ve tried many styles of tsukemen, but I’ve never experienced such a thick, rich, and unique broth. If you don’t mind waiting a little, I strongly recommend trying this place — it’s absolutely worth it.

If you're heading to Tokyo, make time for this tsukemen. Just remember:

• Bring small bills 
• Be ready to line up with your whole group
• And come hungry!

Bonus: They’ve recently opened a second location near Kanda Station, so if the original shop is packed, you've got another shot nearby.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.