Chinmaya

Fine noodles cling to the sesame-rich broth in the tantanmen, an appealing first choice at Chinmaya. Diners have described the heat as moderate, letting the sesame flavour come through; some add Sichuan peppercorn. Order a bowl on its own, or choose a set with Chenma rice if you would like another dish, including an option with half portions of each.

For a different kind of heat, the vegetable-packed mala tang—medicinal soup noodles with the numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorn—is another option. One diner who paired it with half a portion of rice at lunch said both the flavour and serving size were satisfying. A mapo tofu set offers a different spiciness from the tantanmen; one review found it quite spicy. You can adjust the flavour with the Sichuan peppercorn on the table.

The daily set meal comes with a small side dish, and its contents change from day to day. It is an easy choice when you are not in the mood for tantanmen or mapo tofu. The menu also lists gyoza and medium-bottle beer, making it possible to add a small plate to dinner. Chinmaya serves lunch and dinner and is closed on Sundays.