Hatsugai Shoten

Hailing from Saitama's Asaka, this offshoot of chuka soba specialist Zuizan draws both Nerima locals and noodle-lovers from further afield with its surprisingly light tori-paitan take on the classic Tokyo-born dish. Flavoured with a sauce made from scallops and kombu seaweed, the refreshing soup is given one last sprinkle of briskness with a sliced lemon topping. But as the soft, flavourful chicken and pork char siu and orthodox noodles make clear, Hatsugai's creation is still chuka soba – albeit a very adventurous version. Really big eaters will want to go for the Tokusei Tori-Paitan Soba, which comes with a side of rice topped with seared cheese. When you're done with the noodles, slap this mixture into the soup and enjoy the aromatic combo down to the last drop.