Choho

Peruse the wall-mounted menu at Choho, settled naturally into Kita-Otsuka’s streetscape, and you will find familiar ramen and fried rice sitting comfortably alongside Western-style diner staples like katsu curry and hamburger steaks. Even if you step inside craving Chinese food, the scent of sizzling grills and freshly fried cutlets makes choosing a challenge.

For noodles, the classic ramen is an easy favourite: medium-thick noodles bathed in a deep, dark soy sauce broth tinged with subtle sweetness and an undertone of Japanese dashi, complemented by tender slices of chashu. The gomoku yakisoba is another staple, serving savoury, fragrant pan-fried noodles blanketed in a rich, glossy stir-fry topping; some diners like to order a side of rice to savour every bit of the sauce.

The yoshoku set meals stand out with equal presence. Generous plates of katsu curry feature crisp, freshly breaded pork cutlets over deep-hued curry sauce, while the chicken saute set delivers crisp-skinned meat coated in a demi-glace-style sauce, served with hearty portions. Nostalgic home-style rice dishes also feature prominently, including a gently sweet katsudon folded with soft egg and tender pork cutlet, or a light, fluffy omurice.

The dining room provides both counter and table seating, welcoming solo diners at midday as easily as casual evening diners. Ordering freshly fried gyoza with a large bottle of beer captures the straightforward charm of an everyday neighbourhood Chinese diner. Note that payment is cash only, so keep notes on hand before you visit.