Tsukemen Honmaru Sakae

Tsukemen Honmaru Sakae is a specialty shop for rich seafood tsukemen, located near Maruei Galleria, midway between Sakae and Fushimi in Nagoya, with only 11 counter seats. It is one of the few establishments that operates continuously from 11 AM to 11 PM on both weekdays and weekends, making it popular among regulars and those looking for lunch in the Sakae area. The signature rich seafood tsukemen features a thick, drenching dipping sauce condensed with the umami of seafood and pork bones, which perfectly coats the chewy, homemade medium-thick straight noodles. The surface of the soup is adorned with fish powder and a hint of yuzu peel, ensuring the aroma of seafood and citrus aftertaste linger until the very end. The biggest draw is the exceptional pricing: you can choose regular, large (550g), or extra-large (700g) noodle portions at the same price. However, there's a unique shop rule imposing a 150 yen penalty if you leave uneaten noodles. The table is equipped with various condiments such as garlic soy sauce (ninniku shoyu), spicy miso (karamiso), bonito vinegar (katsuo-zu), fish powder (gyofun), and chopped onions (tamanegi kizami), allowing you to customize the flavor mid-meal. Adding garlic soy sauce, in particular, transforms the flavor into a powerful and assertive taste. Beyond the signature tsukemen, the menu also offers a wide range of options, including spicy tsukemen with a kick, sweet Taiwanese mazesoba (served with oi-meshi, an extra scoop of rice), and miso ramen, with most items priced under 1,000 yen. Many regulars consider this a reliable choice when they want to avoid disappointment in the Sakae area.