Nakou

One of the first dishes that catches the eye at Nakou is age soba: thick noodles that are deep-fried and topped with a savoury sauce. Diners have described the noodles as thoroughly crisped, with a satisfying texture, and the topping of vegetables and seafood as generous. One account mentions wood ear mushrooms, prawns and squid among the ingredients, as well as the satisfying bite of the medium-thick noodles. Noodle dishes can be ordered on their own or as a set with mini fried rice, making this a substantial lunch option for anyone who wants the fried noodles to take centre stage.

Fried rice is another popular partner for a set meal and a Nakou favourite in its own right. One diner says they always order it with the fried noodles; another recalls its toasted aroma and loose, fluffy grains. If noodles alone might not be quite enough, ramen, gomoku soba or champon can also be ordered with mini fried rice.

For a meal with a few more dishes, try gyoza alongside an à la carte plate. Diners have praised the cabbage-forward filling and soft, thin wrappers; another noted the pronounced chive flavour and handmade quality. One person found the gyoza better with sauce than with vinegar and soy sauce, so switching up the dip may be worth a try. Gyoza and sweet-and-sour pork with beer is another combination that has become a favourite among diners who have visited. Drinks include draft beer served in a medium mug, as well as Shaoxing wine and lemon chūhai, a shochu-based drink.

For a set meal with rice and soup, options include sweet-and-sour pork, happosai and fried chicken. The listed sets all come with rice and soup, and some are priced at 1,050 yen. The daily lunch is offered except on Sundays and public holidays, and coffee is also listed as an after-meal option at lunchtime.

Nakou is described as a convenient place to eat at lunchtime or in the evening, including for solo diners. Payment is cash only, so it is worth bringing some along.