Houkiboshi + Kanda ten: Texture-Rich Tantanmen

Houkiboshi + Kanda ten (ほうきぼし+ 神田店) has carved out a niche with its singular focus on shirunashi tantanmen — a soupless, mixed style of tantanmen ramen. The star of the show is the house-made noodles, which are thick, chewy, and serve as the foundation for a dish built on textural contrast. Each bowl combines the noodles and meat-miso with a generous helping of crushed peanuts and crispy fried noodle bits, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Guests consistently praise this signature dish, highlighting the addictive quality of the noodles and the interplay of textures. Another popular option, when available, is the creamy soy milk tantanmen, served either hot or cold. A key part of the experience is the ability to customize your meal. The default spice and numbing Szechuan pepper levels are quite mild, but a well-stocked toolkit of chili powder (辛粉), sansho pepper, garlic chips, and vinegar on the counter allows you to adjust the heat and flavor to your exact preference.

Some diners find the prices a little high for ramen, and the small, counter-focused interior can feel cramped. However, for those seeking a distinctive, high-quality bowl of tantanmen, most find it offers good value. Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around ¥1,080–¥1,130 for the standard shirunashi tantanmen and ¥1,480–¥1,530 for the special version with extra toppings. The typical spend for a meal is between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999.

• Location: A very short walk from Kanda Station (30 seconds from the JR North Exit, 1 minute from the Ginza Line exit).
• Reservations: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Queues can form at peak hours, but many diners report being seated without a wait.
• Seating: A small shop with 10 seats, mostly at a counter.
• Ordering & Payment: You order from a ticket machine outside before entering. The machine is largely cashless, accepting credit cards, electronic money (like Suica), and QR code payments.
• Menu: The default spice level is mild; use the tabletop condiments to adjust. Paper aprons are available and recommended for the soupless noodles. An English menu or notations have been reported by some visitors.
• Service Charge: Note that a service fee is added to the final bill.
• Children: Children are welcome.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid parking is available nearby.