Tucked away in one of the quieter backstreets of Yokohama Chinatown, Manraitei is a long-standing noodle shop known for its legendary Shanghai-style yakisoba. This time, I tried their signature dish – Manraitei Shanghai Yakisoba (just ¥980) – and here’s my honest take. The service is brisk, the flavors are straightforward, yet the portion size is utterly massive. It’s the sort of plate designed to properly fill you up, which explains why the shop is packed with solo diners who pop in, eat quickly, and leave just as fast.
TOC
Basic Information Address : 126 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, YokohamaOpening hours :Closed : ThursdaysSeating : No tables for solo diners; expect shared seating at four-person tables.Payment : Cash onlyBudget : Around ¥1,000 for lunch (Shanghai Yakisoba ¥980)
Fast In, Fast Out – Why the Turnover Is So Quick I arrived about 5 minutes before opening, and by the time the doors opened, three people were already seated.
Almost everyone that day was eating alone, quietly working through their noodles. The atmosphere is calm compared with the busy main street of Chinatown , and thanks to the high turnover, queues tend to move quicker than expected.
Shared Tables & No-Frills Service – Old-School Chinatown Style There are no individual tables, so you’ll almost certainly be seated with strangers.
The staff can feel a bit blunt, but the service is efficient, and food arrives quickly. If you’re after warm hospitality or a cozy date spot, this probably isn’t the place. But for a proper neighborhood joint with zero fluff, it fits the bill.
Quick Service & A Serious Mountain of Noodles I ordered the Shanghai Yakisoba without hesitation.
It arrived swiftly : a generous heap of wok-fried noodles glistening with soy sauce and oyster sauce. The portion is huge – easily one of the most filling plates you’ll find in Chinatown at this price.
Taste Test: Ultra-Thick Noodles vs. A Slightly Repetitive Flavor Noodles & Texture – Thick, Chewy, and Satisfying
The noodles are incredibly thick, with a pleasantly firm bite. They take real chewing , which somehow makes the dish more satisfying. And there are a lot of them. If you arrive hungry, you’ll be very happy.
Flavor – Stable but Lacking Variation The seasoning is soy-based and reliably tasty, although the flavor doesn’t change much as you go. There are slivers of meat and some greens, but the sheer power of the noodles dominates everything else.
Craving something lighter? Try AFURI’s citrusy ramen.
あわせて読みたい AFURI Ramen | A Refreshing, Citrus-Kissed Bowl at Yokohama Landmark Plaza A gentle aroma of yuzu fills the air as you take your first sip of the golden, crystal-clear broth. This is AFURI — a ramen brand that re… Quick Breakdown Noodle thickness : Extremely thick and chewy (◎)Portion size : Huge and very filling (◎)Flavor variation : Quite limited; you may want to adjust halfway (△)Value for money : Excellent for the quantity (◎)
If you want to explore more delicious local spots, joining a guided food tour is a great idea.
Who This Place Is For Great for • Solo diners who want a quick and filling mealTravelers or office workers with limited timeAnyone who loves thick, chewy noodles
Not ideal for • Date nights or people who want friendly, attentive service
Need a calm break? Goku Tea House is perfect.
あわせて読みたい Goku Tea House in Yokohama Chinatown: A Peaceful Escape for Authentic Chinese Tea Lovers Hello everyone! If you’ve ever explored Yokohama’s Chinatown, you’ll know it’s full of incredible food. But once you’ve eaten your fill, you might be asking … Final Manraitei’s Shanghai Yakisoba is perfect if you want a straightforward, satisfying solo lunch without spending much. It’s quick, filling, and very much a “Chinatown local” experience. There’s even a rumor that legendary baseball manager Shigeo Nagashima used to visit – and honestly, it makes sense. This is comfort food with history, served in an unpretentious, old-school setting.
Find the best hotel deals in Yokohama on here.
Comments