Sure Tsukiji is famous for their fish market, but there's nothing better than starting a cold morning with a hot bowl of ramen from Chuuka Soba Inoue. This old school shoyu ramen is not overly spectacular, but it just knows how to hit the spot. So remember, the next time you head down to Tsukiji to taste some incredibly fresh and amazingly delicious sushi, don't be afraid to wash it down with some ramen. Inoue is also good for sobering up after a long night in Ginza...not that I would know.
Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station and head towards exit 1. Make a left when you come out to the main street and walk a block or so until you see the Tsukiji shopping street. Inoue will be on your left. Order your ramen and eat it standing up at one of the tables out front. Open from 5am to 1:30 pm and closed on Sundays.
Other sites that mention Chuuka Soba Inoue:
Showing posts with label JAPAN-Tokyo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JAPAN-Tokyo. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Nantsuttei Shinatatsu (なんつッ亭 品達店) - Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Leave it to Nate to do all the research for me on Nantsuttei. AND, leave it to me to say that you really need to visit one of their many locations in Tokyo at least once! Nantsuttei's ramen is unmistakenly impressive. It must be the kuro mayu. All kidding aside, this creamy bowl of tonkotsu ramen is da sh**! Furuya Ichirô is definitely doing something right.
From Shinagawa Station take the main exit towards Takanawadai and head south in the direction of the tracks. Nantsuttei will be located on your left in the ramen park called Shinatatsu and it'll be the first ramen-ya you see. Order from the ticket machine and wait to be seated. Open everyday from 11am to 10pm.
Other sites that mention Nantsuttei Shinatatsu:
From Shinagawa Station take the main exit towards Takanawadai and head south in the direction of the tracks. Nantsuttei will be located on your left in the ramen park called Shinatatsu and it'll be the first ramen-ya you see. Order from the ticket machine and wait to be seated. Open everyday from 11am to 10pm.
Other sites that mention Nantsuttei Shinatatsu:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Syuri Seimen (おきなわすば 首里製麺) - Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan
If you're ever in Tokyo and feel like a taste of Okinawa without actually leaving Tokyo, then Okinawa Town is the place to go. And Syuri Seimen is the place to try Okinawa Suba (or Soba). It's not actually ramen, but it's pretty darn close. With homemade noodles, two types of soup, and even a lucky lion statue that promises a lifetime of happiness, Syuri Seimen is a great place to enjoy the fresh Okinawan ingredients while getting hammered off some Okinawan Sake.
Take the Keio Line to Daitabashi Station. Walk North to the main street and you should be able to see the Okinawa Town entrance on the other side. Cross over using the pedestrian bridge and head down the Okinawa Town street. It'll be on your left. They open from 11:30am to 3pm at lunch and 5pm to 11pm for dinner. Closed on Wednesdays.
Other sites that mention Syuri Seimen:
Take the Keio Line to Daitabashi Station. Walk North to the main street and you should be able to see the Okinawa Town entrance on the other side. Cross over using the pedestrian bridge and head down the Okinawa Town street. It'll be on your left. They open from 11:30am to 3pm at lunch and 5pm to 11pm for dinner. Closed on Wednesdays.
Other sites that mention Syuri Seimen:
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Hayashi (らーめん はやし) - Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Hayashi has consistently been atop the various ramen rankings for a couple years now and there's no doubt it's gained a popular local following. Be warned that it's more on the fishy side, but it's frickin good nonetheless. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. The chashu...oooh! The hanjuku aji tamago...oooh! And the smooth kotteri shoyu soup will leave you saying "ohhh yeah!" Guaranteed!
About a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Take the Tokyu Plaza exit and head along Chuo-dori. It's close by so just keep circling the blocks if you can't find it. They are only open for four hours each day from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Closed on Sundays and holidays. Wait in line, buy a ticket from the machine, and grab the next open seat.
Other sites that mention Ramen Hayashi:
About a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Take the Tokyu Plaza exit and head along Chuo-dori. It's close by so just keep circling the blocks if you can't find it. They are only open for four hours each day from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Closed on Sundays and holidays. Wait in line, buy a ticket from the machine, and grab the next open seat.
Other sites that mention Ramen Hayashi:
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Takekuma (中国料理 たけくま) - Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Sometimes a good Tan Tan Ramen is all you crave and Takekuma is there to satisfy. The restaurant is a tad fancier than what I'm used to, but not everywhere serves Tan Tan Ramen, Hot & Sour Ramen, and Tanmen that all taste good. Takekuma fills up fast with Japanese businessmen during the lunch hour so try to get there at exactly 11:30am. And I've heard that they only serve ramen for lunch so if you go for dinner and they don't have it...it ain't my fault.
Take the Tokyo Metro to either Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line) or Tameike-Sannō Station (Ginza Line, Namboku Line). I don't remember the exact directions from there so I hope the map below helps. It appears easier to get to if you go from Akasaka Station. The actual shop is hidden, but look out for a white sign that says Takekuma. You'll see it hanging in front of the building. Open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Open for dinner from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. Closed on Sundays.
Other sites that mention Chinese Restaurant Takekuma:
Take the Tokyo Metro to either Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line) or Tameike-Sannō Station (Ginza Line, Namboku Line). I don't remember the exact directions from there so I hope the map below helps. It appears easier to get to if you go from Akasaka Station. The actual shop is hidden, but look out for a white sign that says Takekuma. You'll see it hanging in front of the building. Open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Open for dinner from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. Closed on Sundays.
Other sites that mention Chinese Restaurant Takekuma:
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Dōtonbori Kamukura (どうとんぼり神座 渋谷店) - Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Location, location, location, and a sheer abundance of ramen on the menu (30 to be exact) could be the very reason Dōtonbori Kamukura is always packed. In the heart of Shibuya littered with flashy signs and a quirky guide to enjoying the taste (just ask Brian), the interior felt oddly like a kaiten-sushi restaurant. I guess because it was just one very long counter surrounding the open kitchen in the center. Anyway, the ramen was good but not nearly as good as their "ramen-of-the-year" claim. (Perhaps it was because I just got back from eating some of the best ramen in the world.) All-in-all, Kamukura is a great way to end a drunken evening in Shibuya. And I'm sure most Japanese salary men would agree.
From Shibuya Station take the famous Hachiko exit and walk across the busiest intersection in the world. Proceed down Center Gai, the narrow pedestrian street, for a few minutes and you'll eventually see Kamukura on your right. Open everyday from 10am to 7am. Order from the ticket machine and wait to be directed to an empty seat. Give the server your ticket and your ramen will soon arrive.
Other sites that mention Dōtonbori Kamukura:
From Shibuya Station take the famous Hachiko exit and walk across the busiest intersection in the world. Proceed down Center Gai, the narrow pedestrian street, for a few minutes and you'll eventually see Kamukura on your right. Open everyday from 10am to 7am. Order from the ticket machine and wait to be directed to an empty seat. Give the server your ticket and your ramen will soon arrive.
Other sites that mention Dōtonbori Kamukura:
- Ramen Adventures (part 1)
- Ramen Adventures (part 2)
- Ramen Adventures (part 3??)
- Ramen Database (Supleks)
- Tabelog
- YouTube (CaltonB)
- Tokyo Holiday
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium (池袋餃子スタジアム) - Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
If you go crazy for gyoza, then you may want to stop by the Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium while visiting Tokyo. While there's plenty of gyoza specialty shops throughout the city, there's only one place where you can find 11 famous shops from all over the country of Japan in one spot. You might just call it the G spot. Haha...okay I'm stupid.
It's located on the second floor of the Sunshine City building in the Namjatown theme park. From the JR Ikebukuro Station take the East exit and head East. I got lost so it's probably better if you find the nearest Koban (police station) like I did and get better directions. But it's definitely East from the station. Go early and go hungry.
Other sites that mention Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium:
It's located on the second floor of the Sunshine City building in the Namjatown theme park. From the JR Ikebukuro Station take the East exit and head East. I got lost so it's probably better if you find the nearest Koban (police station) like I did and get better directions. But it's definitely East from the station. Go early and go hungry.
Other sites that mention Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium:
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Ikebukuro (蒙古タンメン中本 池袋店) - Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Craving something spicy? Then you've come to the right place! That's exactly how I was feeling when I first stepped foot in Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto. I was craving a spicy ramen and I obviously didn't know what I was getting myself into. The signature Mouko Tanmen is a tame 3 out of 5 stars on the spicy meter, but it still kicked my a**. The best part about this ramen is that it's not just spicy. It had a great texture, excellent flavor, and the noodles were thick and filling. If you're feeling brave, feel free to give the 5 star Hokkyoku Ramen a try. But don't blame me if you can't wake up in the morning.
From Ikebukuro Station take the West (西) exit and head west on the main street. At the very next big intersection make a left and it'll be in a small street on your right. If you see arches that say グルメ道 (Gourmet Street) then you're in the right place. Walk up the stairs, order from the ticket machine, then wait for someone to point you to a seat. Everyone gets an individual packet of tissues, but it may be wise to bring your own towel.
Other sites that mention Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Ikebukuro:
From Ikebukuro Station take the West (西) exit and head west on the main street. At the very next big intersection make a left and it'll be in a small street on your right. If you see arches that say グルメ道 (Gourmet Street) then you're in the right place. Walk up the stairs, order from the ticket machine, then wait for someone to point you to a seat. Everyone gets an individual packet of tissues, but it may be wise to bring your own towel.
Other sites that mention Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Ikebukuro:
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Ivan Ramen (アイバンラーメン) - Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
BELIEVE the hype! It's not just a white guy making ramen. It's a down-to-earth-passionate-about-what-he-does white guy making a uniquely traditional bowl of original ramen. Ivan Ramen is for real and you'll immediately realize that when you take a seat and meet the man behind the action--Ivan Orkin. I'm not gonna repeat his story, but when you witness his creativity and skills first hand, you'll understand. If it's your first time, order the shio ramen with everything on it. If it's your second time (trust me you will be back), order everything else. If you live in Tokyo and have never been or if you're new to Tokyo and too intimidated to enter other ramen-ya's...GO HERE!
Take the Keio line to Rokakoen Station. From there it's about a two minute walk. After you exit, go up the stairs to your left and follow the street until you get to the major intersection. Make a left and you'll see it on your right. The line usually extends into the adjacent alley so be prepared to wait. Once you grab a seat, place your order and don't be afraid to say hi. It's only open for lunch on weekends. Check Ivan's website for the exact hours.
Other sites that mention Ivan Ramen:
Take the Keio line to Rokakoen Station. From there it's about a two minute walk. After you exit, go up the stairs to your left and follow the street until you get to the major intersection. Make a left and you'll see it on your right. The line usually extends into the adjacent alley so be prepared to wait. Once you grab a seat, place your order and don't be afraid to say hi. It's only open for lunch on weekends. Check Ivan's website for the exact hours.
Other sites that mention Ivan Ramen:
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Yatai Ramen Takaryu (屋台らーめん鷹流) - Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
If you get lost in Takadanobaba, you may never want to leave. Just ask this guy. Arguably lost in one of the best ramen regions of Tokyo, Yatai Ramen Takaryu is a refreshing gem that stands out from the others. Located in the shadows of Ramen Jiro, Takaryu is most known for their "Paichee Men"--a white chicken specialty. It's a clear salt-based novelty that may not blow your mind, but still open your eyes. Especially since there's so much signage to read. If you're looking for something clean and different, definitely stop by. You'll be happy.
From Takadanobaba Station take the Waseda exit and head West. It's about a five minute walk down Waseda-dori. Once you see the Ramen Jiro on your right, make a left into the small street and then a quick right. You should see it on your left. If you miss it or it's too crowded (which I doubt) don't worry there's plenty of others to choose from.
Other sites that mention Yatai Ramen Takaryu:
From Takadanobaba Station take the Waseda exit and head West. It's about a five minute walk down Waseda-dori. Once you see the Ramen Jiro on your right, make a left into the small street and then a quick right. You should see it on your left. If you miss it or it's too crowded (which I doubt) don't worry there's plenty of others to choose from.
Other sites that mention Yatai Ramen Takaryu:
Friday, May 15, 2009
Nandenkanden (なんでんかんでん東京本店) - Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Are you feeling バカ (stupid)? Then you've come to the right place. No, they're not trying to offend you but the several idiotic (baka) items on the menu might. I've never tried them but I've heard the toppings can get pretty crazy. If you're feeling relatively normal then it may just be better to go with the popular items like Hanjyuku Tamago Ramen, Iwanori Tamago Ramen, Chashu Ramen, or Fukuya Mentaiko Ramen. Or even just go with the simple Ramen like I did. It'll give you a good taste of tonkotsu without having to travel to Hakata. There's no ticket machine here so just grab a seat and yell out your order.
From Shindaita Station you'll travel in the same direction as Bassanova (exit the station, cross the street, and go right) then continue for about 5 more minutes north on Kannana-dori until your body permeates a wall of stinky tonkotsu. Trust me, you'll know what I'm talking about. It opens at 6pm and closes at 3:30am or 4am depending on the day. You may not want to take a date here unless of course she's as crazy as you about ramen. (That reminds me, remember that girl that kept checking out Brian right in front of her boyfriend? Dude you should've made a move. I woulda had yo back...haha.)
Some other sites that mention Nandenkanden Tokyo Honten:
From Shindaita Station you'll travel in the same direction as Bassanova (exit the station, cross the street, and go right) then continue for about 5 more minutes north on Kannana-dori until your body permeates a wall of stinky tonkotsu. Trust me, you'll know what I'm talking about. It opens at 6pm and closes at 3:30am or 4am depending on the day. You may not want to take a date here unless of course she's as crazy as you about ramen. (That reminds me, remember that girl that kept checking out Brian right in front of her boyfriend? Dude you should've made a move. I woulda had yo back...haha.)
Some other sites that mention Nandenkanden Tokyo Honten:
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Bassanova (バサノバ) - Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
With the recent influx of creativity driving the height of ramen in Tokyo to new levels, Bassanova is on the forefront of creating an amazing Thai-influenced bowl that will knock your Chada off. Their signature ramen is the Tondaku Wadasi Soba, which is a half-tonkotsu-half-fish blend with thin noodles and grilled chashu. But I've always had a thing for their Green Curry (グリーンカレー) Ramen--a mildly spicy, rich and refreshing blend with thick noodles that satisfies whether you're sober or not. Some other offerings include a Tom Yum Soba, a 100% Tonkotsu Ramen, and a Tondaku Wadasi Soba with extra meat. I may be biased since my brother lives close by, but it's definitely a must try when you're in or around the area.
If you can find your way to Shindaita Station, it's about a one minute walk from there. Just exit the station, cross the street, and go right. Then you'll see a vertical neon sign that says RA-MEN on your left. You can't miss it! Order from the ticket machine (Green Curry is in the leftmost column, fourth button down) and grab a seat. They are open every night from 6pm-3am (last order 2:30am).
Some other sites that mention Bassanova:
If you can find your way to Shindaita Station, it's about a one minute walk from there. Just exit the station, cross the street, and go right. Then you'll see a vertical neon sign that says RA-MEN on your left. You can't miss it! Order from the ticket machine (Green Curry is in the leftmost column, fourth button down) and grab a seat. They are open every night from 6pm-3am (last order 2:30am).
Some other sites that mention Bassanova:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Day 27 - Eating ramen at the Tsukiji Fish Market...
With this being my last full day, you might have thought that I would go on some crazy last minute ramen eating tour of Tokyo. Well...I thought about it and decided not to. I'll be back someday so no need to rush things. Plus, I think I've had a pretty successful trip. So instead, it was just one bowl and the last chance for great sushi. Then it was off to celebrate my niece turning two...
I'm now at a loss for words. I don't want to leave but know that I must. Next stop...Narita airport. See you in LA!
I'm now at a loss for words. I don't want to leave but know that I must. Next stop...Narita airport. See you in LA!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Day 26 - Ramen Round Table...in Japan!
After spending way too much money on instant ramen at the Raumen Museum earlier in the day, it was time to meet up with two prominent Tokyo ramen bloggers for dinner: Nate from Waseda Ramen and Brian from Ramen Adventures. It was a good night of slurping ramen, having a few drinks, sharing our own ramen stories, and dancing like Kusanagi in the park. Wait, maybe I did that last part by myself...haha.
I have one more full day left in Tokyo, but I've already realized my trip has come to an end. I'm not sure how I'm gonna go back to work on Friday. It's gonna be tough...
I have one more full day left in Tokyo, but I've already realized my trip has come to an end. I'm not sure how I'm gonna go back to work on Friday. It's gonna be tough...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Day 25 - Back to Tokyo I go...
I can't believe I just traveled to 21 of the 28 or so ramen cities in Japan. I only wish I had another month to do it all over again. Now, it's time to unwind in Tokyo for the next few days. One thing is for sure, I'm gonna sleep in as long as I can tomorrow. I spent the day meeting old family friends in Shizuoka that I haven't seen for years and it was great to see them again. One of them asked me how many bowls of ramen I've eaten already and I couldn't give them an exact answer. I really haven't been keeping count. Have you? It's gotta be over 30 right? I don't know. I'll do the count later. Anyway, Fujisan was cloudy all day so I couldn't really get a good shot. But if you want to see some amazing pics, check out Gaijin Bash's post last weekend. Lates. I'm out!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Day 15 - Surfing Shibuya and Okinawa Seimen
While surfing the net today for a place to eat in Shibuya, I came across Hayashi on tabelog. Located only 2 minutes around the corner from the Keio Inokashira Line, this ramen-ya is only open for four hours each day. With only three items on the menu, get there early to avoid the long line.
The Yakibuta Ramen is their most popular. With several slices of moist chashu, two-halves of melodically marinated hanjuku tamago, and thick sticks of menma, I can easily see why. It represents the new generation of Tokyo Ramen that's been grazing the top of the rankings in recent years. It's not the best I've ever tried, but it's definitely worth a try. Shops like this are what makes ramen feel so special.
Okinawa Town in Daitabashi is located within minutes on foot from where I am staying in Tokyo. And since I won't have a chance to visit Okinawa on this trip, I thought this might be the next best thing. Syuri Seimen is a ramen-ya that serves Okinawa's version of ramen. With handmade noodles and two types of dashi, you're just one Okinawan sake bottle away from being transported. And oh yeah, they have Okinawan sake too!
The Souki Suba is what they are most famous for. The souki refers to the huge piece of tender pork rib crowding the bowl. For this ramen, I chose the original dashi made with Okinawan konbu, tonkotsu, tori gara, shio, and katsuo. It was somewhat heavy, yet pure.
The Okinawa Suba with the traditional okidashi soup base was a good representation of what Okinawa offers to the world of ramen. So I was told. This simple soup made with fish and konbu, was surprisingly more flavorful than the other dashi with tonkotsu. With two fat pieces of kakuni, it even felt like a complete meal.
Time for the daily slideshow. Now I gotta go pack for Kyushu!
The Yakibuta Ramen is their most popular. With several slices of moist chashu, two-halves of melodically marinated hanjuku tamago, and thick sticks of menma, I can easily see why. It represents the new generation of Tokyo Ramen that's been grazing the top of the rankings in recent years. It's not the best I've ever tried, but it's definitely worth a try. Shops like this are what makes ramen feel so special.
Okinawa Town in Daitabashi is located within minutes on foot from where I am staying in Tokyo. And since I won't have a chance to visit Okinawa on this trip, I thought this might be the next best thing. Syuri Seimen is a ramen-ya that serves Okinawa's version of ramen. With handmade noodles and two types of dashi, you're just one Okinawan sake bottle away from being transported. And oh yeah, they have Okinawan sake too!
The Souki Suba is what they are most famous for. The souki refers to the huge piece of tender pork rib crowding the bowl. For this ramen, I chose the original dashi made with Okinawan konbu, tonkotsu, tori gara, shio, and katsuo. It was somewhat heavy, yet pure.
The Okinawa Suba with the traditional okidashi soup base was a good representation of what Okinawa offers to the world of ramen. So I was told. This simple soup made with fish and konbu, was surprisingly more flavorful than the other dashi with tonkotsu. With two fat pieces of kakuni, it even felt like a complete meal.
Time for the daily slideshow. Now I gotta go pack for Kyushu!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 14 - Hangin' out with Uncle Tan Tan...
My niece asked my brother today, "Why does uncle eat so much ramen?" Then we all just busted out laughing. Haha! It was hilarious, but I guess you had to be there. Hopefully, today's slideshow will make you feel like you were.
I met my brother for lunch in Akasaka today because he swears that he works near the best Tan Tan Ramen shop in Tokyo. And you know what? He may be right! Intense, spicy, hot, sinus-clearing. Those are just a few ways to describe it. Chinese Restaurant Takekuma is a hidden gem waiting to be exposed! They also have a good Hot & Sour Ramen and an impressive Vegetable Tan Men.
Just down the street is Akasaka Ramen and their Pork Shabu Tsukemen Challenge. $100 for anyone that can finish it! Shall I give it a try? Maybe soon but not today...
Today was mostly about hangin' out with my nieces. They are so damn cute! Future ramen geeks better watch out!
Got another day in Tokyo tomorrow until it's off to Kyushu. Can't wait!
I met my brother for lunch in Akasaka today because he swears that he works near the best Tan Tan Ramen shop in Tokyo. And you know what? He may be right! Intense, spicy, hot, sinus-clearing. Those are just a few ways to describe it. Chinese Restaurant Takekuma is a hidden gem waiting to be exposed! They also have a good Hot & Sour Ramen and an impressive Vegetable Tan Men.
Just down the street is Akasaka Ramen and their Pork Shabu Tsukemen Challenge. $100 for anyone that can finish it! Shall I give it a try? Maybe soon but not today...
Today was mostly about hangin' out with my nieces. They are so damn cute! Future ramen geeks better watch out!
Got another day in Tokyo tomorrow until it's off to Kyushu. Can't wait!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Day 5 - Lost in Ikebukuro, Cherry Blossom Rain, and a Gyoza Stadium
I woke up this morning with a craving for something spicy. Something hot to get my blood flowing and my forehead sweating. So that's when I decided to go try Mouko Tan Men Nakamoto--a Mongolian ramen-ya guaranteed to make you cry! The Ikebukuro branch is about 5 minutes from the JR line. The directions are slightly complicated so try to find the best route from this map.
I ordered the shop's namesake ramen, Mouko Tan Men, which is 3 out of 5 flames on their spicy scale. It's basically a Mabo Sauce in a base of miso with plenty of vegetables. After 10 minutes my sweat and tears started adding to the soup. Of course I'm kidding, but I can't imagine what 5 flames is like because I thought 3 was prettty darn hot. It was good, but not something I could eat everyday. It did a hell of a job satisfying my craving.
Since I was already in Ikebukuro, I decided to search for the gyoza stadium. I only vaguely remembered its general location from a map I saw the other day, so let's just say that that map was worthless. I ended up walking around for about an hour and I won't admit it if you ask me, but yes...I was lost. Being lost in Ikebukuro is not necessarily a bad thing. Not only were the beautiful Sakura petals raining down on me, but Ikebukuro is one of the best ramen towns in Tokyo.
When I finally found the gyoza stadium, there was just too much to comprehend. How can you possibly choose which gyoza shop to eat at. They all looked so good! I finally ended up trying one of them and as you'll see in the slideshow, it almost made me lose my appetite. It didn't matter. I was too full anyway.
I leave for Hokkaido in the early morning so I'll need to get some rest. And I still need to pack. Uh-oh. Anyway, my next post will come from Kushiro so wish me luck! See you in Hokkaido!
I ordered the shop's namesake ramen, Mouko Tan Men, which is 3 out of 5 flames on their spicy scale. It's basically a Mabo Sauce in a base of miso with plenty of vegetables. After 10 minutes my sweat and tears started adding to the soup. Of course I'm kidding, but I can't imagine what 5 flames is like because I thought 3 was prettty darn hot. It was good, but not something I could eat everyday. It did a hell of a job satisfying my craving.
Since I was already in Ikebukuro, I decided to search for the gyoza stadium. I only vaguely remembered its general location from a map I saw the other day, so let's just say that that map was worthless. I ended up walking around for about an hour and I won't admit it if you ask me, but yes...I was lost. Being lost in Ikebukuro is not necessarily a bad thing. Not only were the beautiful Sakura petals raining down on me, but Ikebukuro is one of the best ramen towns in Tokyo.
When I finally found the gyoza stadium, there was just too much to comprehend. How can you possibly choose which gyoza shop to eat at. They all looked so good! I finally ended up trying one of them and as you'll see in the slideshow, it almost made me lose my appetite. It didn't matter. I was too full anyway.
I leave for Hokkaido in the early morning so I'll need to get some rest. And I still need to pack. Uh-oh. Anyway, my next post will come from Kushiro so wish me luck! See you in Hokkaido!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Day 3 - Saturday Stroll, Instant Ippudo, and Takadanobaba's Paichee Men
Tokyo has indeed become the hub of all ramen nationwide! Who needs to travel when you have everything right here? Well...that's a good question! BUT eating Hokkaido ramen in Tokyo isn't quite like eating it in Hokkaido so let's just put that baby to rest and enjoy the show...
Sometimes you just gotta walk around the city without an exact destination. And that's precisely what I did today. I've always heard good things about Takadanobaba and how it was home to "the next ramen boom." So instead of researching for the best place to go, I thought I'd wing it and let my instincts lead the way. I originally wanted to go to Ramen Jiro, but unfortunately they were closed. So that's when I stumbled upon Yatai Ramen Takaryu, a ramen-ya known for its Paichee Men (a white chicken specialty). And once I saw Amuro on the TV, I knew I had to enter.
From Takadanobaba station take exit 1 and make a left. Once you see the Ramen Jiro on the right, take a left on the next street and then a quick right. Takaryu will be on your left.
Sometimes you just gotta walk around the city without an exact destination. And that's precisely what I did today. I've always heard good things about Takadanobaba and how it was home to "the next ramen boom." So instead of researching for the best place to go, I thought I'd wing it and let my instincts lead the way. I originally wanted to go to Ramen Jiro, but unfortunately they were closed. So that's when I stumbled upon Yatai Ramen Takaryu, a ramen-ya known for its Paichee Men (a white chicken specialty). And once I saw Amuro on the TV, I knew I had to enter.
From Takadanobaba station take exit 1 and make a left. Once you see the Ramen Jiro on the right, take a left on the next street and then a quick right. Takaryu will be on your left.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Day 1 - Planes, Buses, and Bassanova!
I've made it! After the long plane ride and several beers to celebrate my arrival, there was only one thing on my mind...Bassanova. And although I was extremely tired, I was determined to not end the night without it!
Where's that Green Curry button?? Oh, there it is!
Awww yeah! Just what I've been waiting for. This Green Curry Ramen is amazing! It's even better after a few drinks. The spicy sweetness of the green curry really hits the spot.
And how could you resist this grilled chashu?!? Pinch me please.
These thicker noodles are great too. What a great way to start the trip!
Mmmmenma!
Don't believe me when I say it's good?
Well, here's the proof!!
Here are some more pics from Day 1. Enjoy!
So what shall I do on Day 2? Yokohama perhaps? We'll see...
Where's that Green Curry button?? Oh, there it is!
Awww yeah! Just what I've been waiting for. This Green Curry Ramen is amazing! It's even better after a few drinks. The spicy sweetness of the green curry really hits the spot.
And how could you resist this grilled chashu?!? Pinch me please.
These thicker noodles are great too. What a great way to start the trip!
Mmmmenma!
Don't believe me when I say it's good?
Well, here's the proof!!
Here are some more pics from Day 1. Enjoy!
So what shall I do on Day 2? Yokohama perhaps? We'll see...
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