Chisoumen Mamiana

A seafood tsukemen (dipping noodles) shop that has long operated in Ikebukuro, located a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station's East Exit, along the street behind Hareza. Operating for over 15 years, it is one of the pioneering establishments of the "gyokai tonkotsu tsukemen" (seafood and pork bone dipping noodles) style, which is now a mainstream favorite. The signature Rich Seafood Tsukemen features a robust dipping broth made from pork bones and chicken carcasses layered with katsuobushi-based (bonito flakes) seafood. It's a classic preparation where the aroma and umami of the katsuobushi take center stage, balanced with just the right amount of saltiness and sweetness. The noodles are 300g of medium-thick, wavy noodles made with Hokkaido whole wheat flour, offering a fluffy wheat aroma and a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the soup. Regular and large servings (300g) are the same price, while a special large serving (400g) is available for an additional 150 yen. Equally popular as the signature dish are the Niboshi Tsukemen (dried sardine dipping noodles) and Spicy Tsukemen. The Niboshi variety is crafted with a different base, offering a concentrated aroma distinct from the katsuobushi type, while the Spicy Tsukemen, featuring a seafood soup infused with a piquant kick, attracts many repeat customers. Toppings are generously configured with three kinds of chashu (braised pork belly, sous-vide chicken breast, chicken tenderloin), hosaki menma (bamboo shoots), kaiware (radish sprouts), nori (seaweed), naruto (fish cake), young corn, and mitsuba (Japanese parsley), offering both visual appeal and substantial volume. Towards the end of the meal, it's customary to dilute the rich dipping broth with a yuzu-scented wari-soup (broth for diluting) and drink it, a delightful way to conclude the experience. Many international visitors frequent this establishment, making it a well-established choice for tsukemen in the Ikebukuro East Exit area.