01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Whether the mood calls for a steaming bowl of noodles or a substantial portion of seasoned rice, neither ever loses its appeal. At Kaen in Aomono-yokocho, the menu brings together noodles, rice bowls, set meals, and small plates, making it easy to put together lunch or dinner to suit any appetite.
Broths and Noodles with Varied Personality
The noodle list spans sour and spicy suanla noodles that wake up the appetite, rich sesame dandan noodles, and gentle vegetable-sweet tangmian. Heartier options include beef brisket ramen (niunan mian), showcasing long-simmered meat, and seafood mala noodles piled with generous ocean toppings, each pairing of soup and ingredient bringing its own character. For crisp, wok-charred cravings, the kitchen turns out mixed seafood and meat an-kake noodles, Shanghai fried noodles, and Kaen's house fried noodles wrapped inside a thin omelette.
Classic Combinations of Rice and Broth
When a larger meal is in order, set combinations pairing rice bowls or fried rice with a half ramen or wonton soup prove especially handy. Fiery Sichuan-style pork belly over rice or a vegetable-and-meat-rich chukadon bowl paired with warm wonton soup strike an appetizing rhythm between bold punch and comforting broth. The time-honored pairing of fried rice and half ramen remains another steady favorite.
From Lunchtime Sets to Evening Drinks
Diners after a hearty midday set can look to liver-and-garlic-chive stir-fry or fried young chicken karaage, both eligible for large rice portions to power through the afternoon. Come evening, the setting shifts effortlessly toward drinks: plates of crisp stir-fried pea shoots or garlic-sauced pork accompany glasses of draft beer and highballs. Whether stopping by alone for a quick bite or gathering around a table to share several dishes, Kaen offers an unpretentious neighborhood retreat for everyday meals.
