Menya Nakagawa (Ikebukuro): Smooth, Chicken-Forward Tsukemen

Ikebukuro is overflowing with top-notch ramen shops. Among them few feel as clean, modern, and easygoing as Menya Nakagawa (メンヤ ナカガワ). This young shop serves a delicious chicken-first tsukemen (dipping ramen).

It’s inspired in part by the legendary Menya Itto in Shin-Koiwa, but Nakagawa has carved out its own identity. Here’s what to expect at this underrated Ikebukuro ramen spot.

The Tsukemen: Smooth Chicken Broth

They unmistakably serve a chicken-forward bowl. While there’s a fish element in the background, it stays subtle, letting the chicken take center stage. The soup is smooth and silky, with just enough shoyu to give it lift. From the first dip, the broth feels clean, polished, and quietly delicious.

The thick, straight noodles are flecked with whole wheat, giving them a slightly nutty aroma and a satisfying chew. They have enough backbone to stand up to the dipping soup, and they’re good enough to snack on plain between dips.

For toppings, you'll find soft chicken chashu alongside roasted pork chashu, with menma (bamboo shoots) and negi (spring onions) rounding things out.

On the counter, you’ll find chili pepper and black pepper and both work nicely if you want to sharpen or warm up the broth midway through the meal. They also have soup-wari (soup-wake) - a classic tsukemen finish. It's hot water mixed with dashi meant to dilute the dipping broth and drink it like a light soup.

Menya Nakagawa in Ikebukuro - Final Thoughts

Menya Nakagawa in Ikebukuro offers refreshing take on Tokyo’s chicken–fish tsukemen style: smooth, chicken-centric broth; chewy whole wheat noodles; clean presentation; and warm service.

If you love chicken-based ramen, mellow tsukemen, or simply want a comfortable, low-pressure ramen spot in Ikebukuro, this shop deserves a spot on your list.

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