Enji — Restaurant in Tokyo

Delicious tsukemen in this small restaurant. You order your food from a machine. The waitress was polite during our interactions however she kept standing right in front of us and just staring while we ate.

It was extremely uncomfortable and took away the enjoyment of the food. She barely cleaned. She was on her phone and picking at her nails looking bored when she wasn't just staring at us.

I get that there isn't a lot of room and that we're tourists, but this is just disrespectful! We had been polite, we had said our please and thank yous. We had been quiet while the two local teenage girls were loud.

This could be a one off thing or just that particular staff but I would not recommend this restaurant...

A must-try Tsukemen Shop when you're in Nakano. I was greeted by the pleasant staff who's all smiles. She informed me that this is not a Ramen place, but Tsukemen. (Of course I know, but it seems like a lot went here with different expectations. She helped me choose what to order. 990 Yen for a Tsukemen with Pork. Darn was it sooo tasty! The broth is kinda a mix of pork and fish. It's complex and it tastes delicious! The cold noodles are perfectly cooked, too! It's really not cold, but warm. Just enough for you to dig in right away.

The place is kinda small, though. Seats max of 10 I think, so expect a line...

Pleasant surprise in Nakano, recommended by a local for tsukomen. Broth was flavorful, a little salty, but not heart clogging in fattiness and oil. Noodles were cooked well and toothsome, but could be a little firmer. Pork portion was a bit small and mashed like you'd get from a can rather than in slices or chucks, but this could be the style. Counter was a little sticky, but tolerable. Appreciated the water upon entry and the magical food elevator to the kitchen above or below.

Solid 4 stars. Would recommend if you're in the neighborhood.

Cash only, machine...