✅ May 2026 Update: Menya Sugo is so popular among locals that they even sell their tsukemen online as meal kits! If you’re interested, you can check out their official website (though international shipping is unfortunately not available—domestic delivery within Japan only).
While there are no other major changes, compared to when we visited, the price for the “Tsukemen with Seasoned Egg” seems to have increased by 50 yen to 1,450 yen. If you want to review the full, detailed menu before your trip, I highly recommend searching for “Menya Sugo” on Google and checking the “Menu” section, where you can refer to the most recent photos uploaded by recent visitors for the latest updates.
Menya Sugo: The Best Hidden Gem Tsukemen in Tokyo Shimbashi
There are so many delicious restaurants to try in Japan, and we usually don’t revisit the same place — even if it was really good. But this tsukemen spot was a rare exception; since our first visit in 2023, we have returned to eat here three times in total!
Top-Rated Tokyo Tsukemen: Tabelog 3.77 & Google 4.4 Ratings
This tsukemen restaurant is extremely popular among locals and is known for its consistently long lines due to its small dining space — there are only five tables inside. Everyone in your group must wait in line together; no one is allowed to hold a spot on behalf of others. Most of the customers are local, with very few tourists. – After getting off at Shinbashi Station, the restaurant is just a straight walk — about 3 minutes away. While waiting in line, you can even watch the trains coming and going.
There is a clear sign showing the opening hours and proper etiquette for lining up while you wait
While waiting in line, you can see this train passing by – proof that Menya Sugo is just steps away from the JR station.
How to Order via Ticket Machine at Menya Sugo Shimbashi
When you get close enough to the ticket machine, you’ll need to purchase a ticket using cash only — cards and large bills are not accepted. The machine only takes 1,000-yen notes. If you don’t have one, there’s a FamilyMart convenience store right across the street where you can break a larger bill. Hold onto your ticket until a staff member comes to collect it. At that point, you’ll be asked to choose your portion size: 150g, 200g, or 250g. Depending on what is included, there are four main menus which are on the top four in the ticket machine:
- Tsukemen (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,300 yen: No egg, no char siu
- Tsukemen with Seasoned Egg (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,400 yen: Includes seasoned egg, no char siu
- Tsukemen with Char Siu Pork (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,600 yen: Includes one slice each of three different types of char siu
- Special Tsukemen (Small / Medium / Large) — 1,700 yen: Includes two slices each of three different types of char siu, plus a seasoned egg
Since most of the customers are locals, the ticket machine isn’t very foreigner-friendly. If you plan to visit, I recommend using Google Translate on the menu in advance to avoid confusion.
Our Menya Sugo Order: Special Tsukemen & Toppings Review
We ordered the special noodles, which come with two pieces each of three different types of char siu: chicken breast, pork belly, and tenderloin. The dish also includes two kinds of handmade menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), a soft-boiled egg, and seaweed.
My husband also ordered an extra char siu for 500 yen. This set includes one slice each of the shop’s three different char siu styles. We both chose the 150g noodle portion (small size), which was surprisingly filling. We couldn’t finish it with a soup wari at the end (I’ve explained more about soup wari below).
I ordered the Special Tsukemen (1,700 yen), which came with two slices each of three different types of char siu.
My husband also ordered the Special Tsukemen (1,700 yen), but he added an extra char siu (500 yen). That meant he got three slices each of all three types of char siu — a very generous portion.
The shop also provides a simple guide on how to enjoy tsukemen in the most delicious way, which I thought was a nice touch.
Honest Review: Is Menya Sugo’s Rich Tsukemen Broth Worth the Hype?
To enjoy it properly, try the noodles on their own first, then dip them into the broth. The noodles were perfectly cooked — thick, chewy, and an ideal match for the creamy dipping broth. The broth, made from pork, chicken, and five kinds of seafood, was savory, rich, and creamy, without any fishy smell or taste.
The egg was perfectly cooked, with a creamy yolk that balanced the richness of the broth. On top of that, the shop offers two types of chewy, handmade menma (bamboo shoots), which added both flavor and texture. Altogether, the toppings elevated the tsukemen into something truly special.
The egg was perfectly cooked, with a soft, runny center. When mixed with the broth, it made the soup even tastier and more savory.
Don’t Miss the Ultimate “Soup Wari” Finish at Menya Sugo
After finishing the noodles, you can ask the staff for “soup wari” (soup dilution). They’ll bring a small complimentary platter with shredded nori seaweed, fresh mitsuba (Japanese wild parsley), and a bite-sized scoop of yukari shiso rice, which you can mix with the remaining broth to finish the meal cleanly and without waste.
The official menu guide explains how to enjoy soup wari with their premium Rausu kelp and bonito flake broth. (Image Source: Menya Sugo Official)
Final Thoughts — Tips for Your Menya Sugo Tokyo Visit
I’ve tried many styles of tsukemen, but I’ve never experienced such a thick, rich, and unique broth. If you don’t mind waiting a little, I strongly recommend trying this place — it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’re heading to Tokyo, make time for this tsukemen. Just remember:
- Bring small bills
- Be ready to line up with your whole group
- And come hungry!
Bonus: They’ve recently opened a second location near Kanda Station, so if the original shop is packed, you’ve got another shot nearby.
*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.
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