Banraiken

A spoonful of half-size curry rice after a bowl of ramen: Banraiken offers a lunch set that brings both together. One diner described the ramen as old-fashioned Tokyo-style and the curry as a yellow pork curry, enjoying the way their simple flavours complemented each other. Another lunch customer noted that the curry contained potatoes, carrots and onions. Some diners opt for a more strongly flavoured ramen, too, so there is room to choose each dish to suit your taste.

The noodle menu ranges from ramen to wonton noodles, tantanmen, Cantonese-style noodles and panko-crusted pork ramen. Thin noodles are available on request, and a large serving costs an additional 100 yen. One diner who ordered the panko-crusted pork ramen particularly remembered the pepper in its coating. It stands out if you fancy noodles topped with something fried. Gyoza offer plenty of choice alongside a bowl, including grilled, fried, boiled and steamed versions, as well as steamed prawn gyoza and mapo gyoza. Make noodles the centrepiece or add dumplings, depending on your appetite.

Banraiken is a Chinese restaurant in Arai, Nakano, Tokyo. It serves lunch and is suitable for solo diners.