Remembering fondly the noodles, eggs

I was very pleased to read Andrew Bender’s article on cheap (but quality) eats in Tokyo [“Stretching Your Yen in Tokyo,” Jan. 14]. I travel to Japan -- mostly Tokyo -- for pleasure twice a year.

Like Bender, I often get asked if eating in Japan is expensive, as if eating at Nobu-style restaurants is the norm. It was great to see some of my favorite places listed, especially Kyushu Jangara ramen, where I took some friends from England who met me in Tokyo over New Year’s.

They didn’t understand why I nearly forced them to go until they sipped the soup base and sighed.

But I was most pleased to see Maisen listed, since it reminded me that I must stop in there again on my next trip. A local friend took me there on my first trip to Japan, but it’s been years since I’ve enjoyed not only the excellent tonkatsu set but also the quirky setting in that old bathhouse building.

SUSANNA MODJALLAL

Sherman Oaks

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I enjoyed Bender’s tips on finding reasonably priced meals in Tokyo, but he missed some easy sources for a cheap but good meal.

Most people traveling in Japan will find kiosks at train stations selling box lunches or dinners (bento) for $7 or less.

Also, some people, like me, love Japanese food for lunch or dinner but just need a Western-style breakfast. Fortunately, Denny’s has restaurants in Tokyo. (Two immediately come to mind: one in Shibuya and one in Asakusa.)

A traveler can get a standard bacon (or sausage) and egg breakfast with eggs cooked to order.

Just point to a picture on the menu of how you want your eggs and they’ll take care of it even if you don’t speak Japanese.

ARMAND VAQUER

Tarzana