Horaitei

Part of the appeal of Imazato yakisoba is getting to decide how to season it. Diners at Horaitei describe a simple combination centred on beef and onion, with Worcestershire sauce on the table to adjust the intensity. Some start with the lightly seasoned noodles, then add sauce, pepper or shichimi a little at a time; others report adding a generous amount of sauce later. Try a bite as served, then experiment with the condiments to find your preferred balance.

The yakisoba can be ordered on its own, and the menu also lists a set with a small portion of yakimeshi, or fried rice. One diner who ordered the set described the fried rice as moist and easy to enjoy alongside the noodles. Another local speciality is Takaida ramen. Diners describe it as a bowl of extra-thick noodles in a strongly flavoured soy sauce broth. It offers a change of pace from yakisoba, or a choice for anyone in the mood for a full-on soy sauce flavour.

Set meals and other combinations round out the menu. Options listed include yakiniku and happosai set meals, as well as sets of mapo tofu or stir-fried vegetables served with gyoza, rice and soup. Gyoza can also be added by the serving, or ordered on its own in a portion of 7. Beer and sake are on the menu too, making this neighbourhood Chinese-style restaurant a flexible place to put together a meal with an extra dish.