Introduction.
One of the best ways to experience Japanese Food Culture is to visit a well-known restaurant serving traditional tsukemen (dipping noodles). Enji in Tokyo is loved by many for its unique tsukemen and extensive menu. Since its establishment, Enji has attracted many fans with its high-quality ingredients and unique cooking methods.
Enji’s tsukemen is characterised by its thick soup and firm, thick noodles. The soup is slowly simmered from pork bones and seafood, resulting in a deep and rich flavour. The veggie potage (vegetable potage) soup in particular offers a creamy yet rich flavour. The noodles have a chewy texture and go perfectly with the soup.
Enji has outlets in several locations in Tokyo and is very accessible. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who discover new flavours every time they visit. When visiting Japan, be sure to taste the ultimate tsukemen at Enji and experience its delicious and unique flavour.
Recommended menu at Enji
Enji offers a wide variety of tsukemen menus.
Veggie Potato Tsukemen
Veggie Potato-Tsukemen is Enji’s signature dish. It features a potage-like soup made with plenty of vegetables, which gives it a creamy yet rich flavour. It goes perfectly with the extra-thick germ noodles, making it a highly satisfying dish.
Veggie Potato Aji Tamago Tsukemen
Veggie Potato Ajitama Tsukemen is a veggie pota soup topped with a special flavoured egg. The semi-cooked ajidama intertwines with the soup, giving it a deeper flavour. The rich yolk of the ajitama enhances the creaminess of the soup.
Veggie potato-stuffed tsukemen noodles with meat
Veggie Potato Tsukemen with Meat is a luxurious dish of veggie pota soup topped with a generous amount of meat. The flavour of the meat melts into the soup, giving it an even richer taste. It is a hearty and satisfying dish.
Spicy tsukemen
Spicy Tsukemen is characterised by its spicy soup. The veggie potasso soup has a special spiciness to it, giving it a spicy taste. The sweetness and flavour of the vegetables in the spiciness is perfectly balanced, making this dish a must for spicy food lovers.
Through these dishes, you can fully enjoy the delicious taste of traditional Japanese tsukemen noodles at Enji. Enjoying its rich flavours and textures, a wonderful experience awaits you that will give you a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture.
Experiences and things to do at Enji
A visit to Enji is more than just a meal, it is a special experience. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your visit to En-ji.
Recommendations for first-time visitors
For first-time visitors to Enji, try the Veggie Potato Tsukemen first. This signature dish features a creamy soup with the sweetness and richness of vegetables. The chewy germ noodles and soup are a perfect match for first-timers.
Enjoy the atmosphere inside the restaurant
The interior of Enji is characterised by a simple, relaxed atmosphere. With plenty of counter seats, it is easy to visit even if you are alone. You can also visit with friends or family and have a relaxing time.
Access and convenient location
Enji has outlets in several areas of Tokyo and is very conveniently accessible. Located near train stations, you can stop by during sightseeing or shopping. They also have long opening hours, so you can enjoy delicious tsukemen noodles any time of the day, not just during lunch or dinner hours.
Use these pointers to further enhance your visit in Enji. Along with the delicious taste of traditional tsukemen, you will be able to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth.
Manners at Enji
When visiting En-ji, it is important to observe traditional Japanese etiquette. Below are some basic manners for enjoying a meal at En-ji.
Manners on entering the restaurant.
- Greeting: When entering a restaurant, say ‘konnichiwa’ or ‘nasai’ (hello). A polite greeting makes a good impression.
- Give your turn: If there is a queue, take your turn and wait quietly. It is important to be considerate of other customers and wait without making a fuss.
Manners while eating.
- Do not make noise: In Japan, it is generally considered bad manners to make noise while eating, although the sound of soba or ramen noodles being slurped is acceptable. However, enjoy your meal as quietly as possible.
- How to use tableware: Be careful how you use chopsticks. Avoid sticking your chopsticks into your food or sticking them into the top of the tableware.
- Sharing with others: When sharing a platter, it is common practice to use chopsticks for sharing. Avoid using your own chopsticks to share directly.
Manners when paying.
- Pass cash politely: When paying, hand over cash or cards politely. Avoid handing money as if throwing it.
- Thanking: When you have finished paying, it is a good idea to thank the waiter with a ‘thank you for the food’. It is important to show your appreciation to the waiter.
Manners when leaving the restaurant.
- Ready your table: When you have finished eating, pack up the dishes you have used and tidy up your table. It is important to make sure that the next customer can use the table comfortably.
- QUIETLY EXIT: Be considerate of other customers and staff when leaving the restaurant. It is a good idea to add a final “thank you”.
By observing these manners, you can enjoy your meal at Enji more comfortably. Enjoy the delicious tsukemen noodles while respecting Japanese culture and etiquette.
Enji Store
Enji stores are located mainly in Tokyo and are very accessible. Below are the main shop locations, access and opening hours.
Kichijoji Sohonten Branch.
- Location: 2-2-4 Kichijoji Minami-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Kichijoji Station Park Exit (South Exit). Exit the station, turn right and enter before the McDonald’s.
- Open: 11:00-16:00 / 17:30-22:00 weekdays, 11:00-22:00 Sat, Sun & holidays.
ikebukuro branch
- Location: Sturge Ikebukuro 1F, 2-48-2 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station West Exit. Go out the station and turn right, on the first floor of the Sturge Ikebukuro building.
- Open: Mon-Fri 11:30-16:00 / 17:30-23:00, Sat, Sun & holidays 11:30-23:00.
Koenji branch
- Location: 4-45-7 Koenji-minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Koenji Station South Exit. Located in the shopping arcade to the left as you exit the station.
- Open: Mon-Fri 11:30-16:00 / 17:30-23:00, Sat, Sun & holidays 11:30-23:00.
Nakano Branch (Enji Nidaime)
- Location: 5-57-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit. Located in the shopping arcade after exiting the station in the direction of Nakano Sunplaza.
- Open: Mon-Fri 11:30-16:00 / 17:30-22:00, Sat, Sun & holidays 11:30-22:00.
Accepted payment methods.
- Cash only is accepted at all outlets.
Features.
- Veggie Potato Soup: creamy, thick potage soup with plenty of vegetables. Popular with the health-conscious.
- Choice of noodles: extra-thick malt noodles, thick sticky noodles or domestic wheat noodles can be selected according to preference.
Use this information to plan your visit to Enji and enjoy a fulfilling tsukemen experience.
Reservations and queue management at Enji
Due to its popularity, Enji often has queues, especially at lunchtime and on weekends. Below you will find information on reservations and queuing measures to ensure a smooth visit.
Reservations.
- No reservations: Enji does not accept reservations, so you will need to queue when you visit the restaurant. It is therefore important to have a good queuing policy in place.
Measures against queues.
- Visit early: avoid peak lunch and dinner times and visit just after opening or between 3pm and 5pm to avoid the queues, which are relatively short. Off-peak hours on weekdays are particularly good times to visit.
2.Check queue status: some Enji shops may have apps or social networking sites that allow you to check the queue status in real time. Check before visiting to help avoid crowds.
3.Visit in a small group: it is easier to be shown to your table if you visit in a small group rather than a large group. Visits with one or two people in particular often have shorter waiting times. - Use waiting time: when waiting in line, make the most of your waiting time by looking up tourist information on your smartphone or checking out nearby attractions. You can also use the waiting time to check out Enji’s menu to make ordering easier.
Other measures.
- Appropriate clothing: choose appropriate clothing for a comfortable wait, especially in extreme temperatures such as summer and winter. Measures to protect against heat and cold will make the waiting time more comfortable.
- Use of nearby facilities: If you have a long wait, one way to pass the time is to go to a nearby café or shopping mall. Take care to return before your turn approaches.
Use these queuing measures to make your dining experience at Enji more pleasant. Make the most of the waiting time to fully enjoy the delicious tsukemen noodles that only popular restaurants can offer.
Reviews and ratings for Enji
Enji is loved by many for its unique ‘veggie pota tsukemen’. Below is information based on the latest reviews and ratings.
Highly rated points.
- Taste and quality: Enji’s tsukemen are characterised by their thick and creamy veggie pota soup. The Veggie Potato Tsukemen in particular has received rave reviews from many reviewers, who appreciate the soup’s concentrated vegetable flavour. The variety of noodles to choose from, including extra-thick germ noodles and chewy noodles, are also highly rated [400†source] [401†source].
- VOLUME: the amount of noodles can be adjusted free of charge and is rated as satisfying and filling. The 1.5 and 2-ball options are particularly popular with male customers [398†source].
- Cost performance: Many reviewers point out the excellent cost performance of the restaurant, which can be enjoyed for less than ¥1,000 for both lunch and dinner [402†source].
Areas for improvement.
- Long queues: As a popular restaurant, there are often long queues, especially at lunchtime and on weekends. To avoid queues, it is recommended to visit early in the day [399†source].
- Cash only: Enji does not accept credit cards or electronic money, so you need to have cash ready [402†source].
Actual reviews.
- ‘The veggie pota tsukemen is creamy and thick, but not too heavy.’ With a great selection of noodles to choose from, you’ll want to visit again and again.”
- “I was surprised by the long queue when I first visited, but the taste was worth the wait. The spicy tsukemen noodles are especially good.”
- “The volume of noodles is very generous, and it’s nice that you can adjust the amount of noodles for free – 1.5 or 2 balls makes you feel fuller and more satisfied.”
These reviews are a good starting point for enjoying authentic tsukemen in Enji. Experiencing its delicious and unique flavour is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture.
Conclusion.
Enji is a well-known restaurant loved by many for its unique ‘veggie pota tsukemen’. The rich, creamy soup and the wide variety of noodle combinations to choose from offer a new taste experience every time you visit. The Veggie Potato Tsukemen, in particular, has received rave reviews from many reviewers and features a soup with concentrated vegetable flavours and extra-thick germ noodles.
Accessibility is another attraction, with outlets in all major areas of Tokyo. Queues often form during peak lunch and dinner times, but many people find that even the wait is worth it. Reservations are not accepted, so timing your visit can make your dining experience smoother.
Dining at Enji offers more than just a ramen experience. With a choice of toppings and seasonal menus, there is something new to discover every time you visit. When you visit Japan, be sure to enjoy authentic tsukemen at Enji and experience its delicious and unique flavour. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture.
