Ramen's lesser known cousin, Tsukemen, features a thicker noodle and thicker broth- it's one of those meals you can't afford to leave Tokyo without trying. So, where to start?
Tsukemen is a close relative of ramen, but is much harder to find outside of Japan. While California, New York, and other metropolitan cities may feature them, it's safe to say you'll never find any better than in Japan. The noodle should be thick and chewy- somewhere between your standard "thin" ramen noodle and a thick udon noodle- and should come in a separate bowl (often with a little strainer at the bottom to separate the noodle from any excess oil or water that may form through steaming).
Most places are quick, sit-down style; you wait in line and pay at a vending machine, and in a few minutes you are provided your noodles. You may be asked what "size" you want- this refers to how many noodles you want. Small means fewer noodles, large could mean a rather generous portion: either way, the amount of soup should remain the same.
Here are some of my favorite Tsukemen spots in Tokyo:
Uncle Tetsu at Shinagawa Station (the Shinagawa "Ramen Alley" which, in my opinion, is superior in nearly every way to the Tokyo Station Ramen Alley)
Rokurinsha at Tokyo Station
Yasubee at Shinjuku
Menya Musashi Shibuya
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