Kōyōrō

Set along a street in Suginami's Amanuma neighborhood, Kōyōrō serves an unpretentious lineup of everyday Chinese classics, spanning steaming noodle bowls to hearty定食 (teishoku) sets. A standout among the noodle options is the soupless mapo noodles, where springy noodles are coated in a thick, moderately spiced mapo sauce. Other distinctive choices include ae-soba, tossed in a piquant, acidic dressing and piled with vegetables, and tsukemen served with a dipping broth enriched by the savory sweetness of stir-fried greens.

When a larger rice-based meal is in order, the variety of stir-fried sets steps up. Richly seasoned liver stir-fried with miso makes for an appetizing pairing with plain rice, alongside the familiar liver and garlic chives, while crisp sweet and sour pork balances crunchy batter with vibrant vegetables. Certain sets come served with a fresh raw egg, giving diners the option to mix it directly into hot rice for an impromptu bowl of tamago kake gohan alongside their main dish.

Inside, the modest dining room is arranged with tables in a calm, relaxed setting well suited to solo dining as well as casual pairings. Operating for both lunch and evening service, the shop accepts cash payments only, so it is wise to have yen on hand before taking a seat.