ENGINE SHINJUKU

ZESTY RED MISO TOFU combines house-made tofu and deeply savoury, spicy red miso, topped with coarsely ground Kirishima pork. The soup’s bold, well-defined flavour makes this a memorable bowl. A vegan version of the dish uses plant-based soy mince. Other ramen take a different approach to their broths and toppings, including SHINJUKU M7, which draws on the savoury depth of 7 kinds of mushrooms, and SHINJUKU GB, with its fragrant roasted black garlic. Gluten-free noodles can be requested with each ramen, giving diners with different tastes or dietary needs the flexibility to choose a bowl to suit them at the same table.

The side dishes are thoughtfully put together, too. SHINJUKU MIZUTAKI GYOZA serves fried gyoza in a Japanese-style chicken broth seasoned with kombu and bonito. TOCHIO-AGE NANBAN MISO pairs thick fried tofu, a Niigata specialty, with Nanban miso and toasted buckwheat groats. For a rice dish, a mini bowl of Kirishima pork ginger don or red miso tofu don is an easy way to round out the meal. Drinks include the Japanese gluten-free beer Vector O’n E and Heartland, as well as selected sake and Japanese craft gin, offering options to sip alongside the food.

ENGINE SHINJUKU is open from 15:00 in the afternoon until after 23:00 at night, making it an option for a late lunch or a relaxed evening meal. The non-smoking restaurant has counter seating and private rooms, and accepts advance reservations.