Ramen hangover...

Day 862:

After a four bowl day yesterday, I wasn't sure if I could handle slurping a bowl today. jk.

Aiharaya (あいはらや) in Shin-Koenji has been on my radar, but if I had known it was Iekei I might have thought twice about it.

The A.S.P. ("Aihara Special") Ramen was a little to strong for me. Especially after 4 bowls yesterday.

Honestly, I thought I ordered tsukemen but I guess I pushed the wrong button. haha.

A memorable journey...

Day 653:

Losing money is never fun. Luckily the bank found mine before I could go ballistic. Anyway, it's f***ing hot! The short walk from Asagaya to Shinkoenji was brutal. Thankfully Tabi no Tochuu (旅の途中) was air-conditioned.

You might remember Nate and I slurping here over a year ago. Speaking of Nate, Happy Birthday bro!!

I contemplated getting the tsukemen, but my inner soul said to stick with the ramen. Thanks inner soul.

Strangely enough, this little shop with only six seats has a connection to Ramen Mottainai in Los Angeles. Can you guess what it is?

What I'm about to say might shock you. I just ate the best yakitori I've ever eaten in my life at this place: Shiratora (しらとら) in Kanda. It was incredible. If you have a chance to go there, then go. You won't regret it. And if you want me to take you, then I'm always down for a free meal. haha.

I forgot the names of everything so here are just the pics. Enjoy.

And yes! They have ramen too! Tantanmen to be exact. Made with their homemade rayu.

At night they only serve a half-size, but that's all I could fit in my stomach anyway. If you want a full size you'll have to go for lunch. Wanna go?

For not being a ramen shop, this Tantanmen was pretty good. It's aroma was amazing.

The quality of chicken that goes into their soup base is super high. They even let me try a bowl of just the base. I really want to go back for lunch someday...soon.

Thank you Matsumoto-san!

A blow to the jugular...

Day 134:

With the signs of Spring beginning to bloom, I spent the late morning strolling through the streets of Shin-Koenji in search of a fridge and washer for my apt. The weather was so nice I didn't even need a jacket.


That's when I passed by 豚骨ラーメンじゃぐら. Written as Jagura in English, I'd have to agree with Ramenate that the name should probably be written as Jugular. Anyway, this nice weather was making me crave something thick.


I think I came to the right place! You can choose from three different oils (black, brown, or red) that get added to your ramen.


I ordered mine with the black. I wish I could somehow show you how thick this soup was. Next time I'll have to take video.


Not only was it thick, it was gooood. The thick noodles added to the blow and I was ready to get knocked out.


The paprika-laced mini Asia Meshi had a nice sweetness that countered the droopiness of the ramen.


There's also a bottle of jasmine tea that you can add to your water afterwards to flush out any clogged arteries.


Jugura did not dissapoint. Tonkotsu ramen lovers should definitely add it to their list. Someday I'll be back to try their Cheese Cream Ramen which is limited to only 10 bowls at night.