Aidaya 2

The latest offering from the crew that brought us the Bib Gourmand-recognised Ramen Koike and the original Aidaya, Aidaya the sequel is nothing like its tsukemen-focused older sibling.

This spot specialises in shrimp wonton noodles (¥1,330), and its signature offering is the kind of bowl that almost redefines the genre. The chicken-and-pork soup is a combination of clear chintan and cloudy paitan with more than a hint of niboshi (dried sardine) punch, while the egg noodles are of the typical medium-thick straight variety.

What propels the dish beyond the competition is the wontons – three artfully crafted morsels filled with springy, juicy shrimp that doesn’t seem to belong anywhere near this price point. The aromatic soft-boiled ajitama egg provides capable backup, and even the char siu – often an afterthought in a bowl like this – passes with flying colours.