Ryukaen

For a hearty meal in an unassuming neighborhood Chinese diner, Ryukaen in Kawaguchi offers an enticing lineup of comforts. The centerpiece is the pairing of old-school shoyu ramen with generous, filling gyoza dumplings. Served in a substantial bowl, the ramen sticks to a reassuringly classic broth, which works alongside dumplings wrapped in chewy skins and seasoned with a gentle punch of garlic.

The flexibility of the combination sets makes Ryukaen particularly appealing when hunger strikes. Aside from adding small rice or dumplings to standard ramen, diners can opt for a half portion of saucy Japanese curry or fragrant wok-fried rice. Hearty mains such as sweet-and-savory grilled pork sets or stir-fried meat and vegetables provide plenty of options designed to pair with bowls of white rice.

In the evening, the restaurant doubles as a low-key spot for drinks, where dishes like mapo tofu and sauteed vegetables accompany draft beer, shochu sours, and spirits. Seating includes both regular tables and raised tatami sections, accommodating solitary diners as readily as small groups. A free dedicated parking area simplifies visits by car, and payments are accepted exclusively in cash.