Yikouxiang at Ikebukuro, Tokyo

A well-rated Sichuan-leaning Chinese kitchen in Ikebukuro, known for spicy Chongqing chicken and mapo eggplant.

Yikouxiang, written in Chinese as a mouthful of fragrance, is a Chinese restaurant on the first floor of the T.O Building in Ikebukuro, a short walk from the station. The kitchen leans into Sichuan-style cooking built on chilli heat and umami, and the menu ranges across rich stews, seafood dishes and a varied dim sum selection. Delivery is offered through Uber Eats, where the branch holds a strong rating from a large number of reviews. The best-loved dishes centre on bold, spiced flavours, with Chongqing-style chicken stir-fried with dried chilli and Sichuan-style stir-fried green beans both flagged as popular orders. Mapo eggplant, often ordered with a large rice, sits alongside the wider range of hearty braises, and the kitchen makes use of chilli pickle and fragrant spice to drive its character. Evening is the busier service, and the room caters to both eat-in and takeaway. For diners after genuine, spice-forward Chinese cooking in Ikebukuro, Yikouxiang offers a confident and well-regarded option. Its focus on Sichuan heat, generous mains and dim sum makes it a dependable choice for a quick bowl or a fuller shared meal.