Shirokiya's Black Gyoza

Just something I had to share. Black gyoza from the izakaya Shirokiya. I was heavily intoxicated when I ordered them, but they actually tasted really good. They still creep me out though. Just looking at them makes me think the grudge will pop out.

Tokyo Ramen Trip 2008 - Day 8 (The Last Slurp)

The day has finally come for me to leave Tokyo--quite possibly the worst day of my ramen life. But after slurping 14 amazing ramen bowls in just 8 days, I've been inspired and I'll never look at LA ramen the same. I still can't believe how much ramen has evolved in just a few years. This simple noodle soup is simple no more. There's even a new type of ramen that doesn't even involve soup. I didn't have a chance to try it, but you can check out fellow ramen blogger Ramen Tokyo's review of Junk Garage to get an idea of what it's like. The future of ramen is indeed bright. I just hope I can be a part of it for years to come! The road to the perfect bowl may be cold, narrow, and seemingly without an end, but it is out there. You just have to believe...


My last and worst bowl of ramen in Japan was at Narita airport. I won't even mention the shop name, but the only thing it did well was remind me of what would be awaiting in LA.


The best sushi in the world can be found at the largest fish market in the world, Tsukiji. They wouldn't let me take pictures of the actual sushi, apparently it's top secret, but if you're planning a trip to Tokyo and have never been there, you must give this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a try.


Another favorite food of mine that you won't find in LA (at least I've never found it)--monjya. Similar to okonomiyaki, but a lot more fun to make and eat.


Japan's always been known for having the coolest technology gadgets before anywhere else in the world. Like this new flip phone that rotates 90 degrees and broadcasts live TV in widescreen. We'll probably see this in the US about 5 years from now.


It may be hard to believe, but the best part of my trip was not the ramen. It was being able to spend time and eat ramen with my two nieces. The oldest one (almost 3) is seen below not wasting a single drop of soup. She's already learned the correct way to finish off a bowl of ramen.


Good old Southern California. I'll miss Tokyo and be waiting anxiously to return, but it always feels good to come home. I hope you enjoyed my posts as much as I enjoyed the trip. Thanks for tuning in!

Tokyo Ramen Trip 2008 - Day 7

MENYA MUSASHI KODOU

Musashino-shi, Kichijoji Honmachi 1-1-7
Harmonica Yokocho

Kotteri ramen: Just being able to experience ramen in Japan makes every bowl feel perfect. This kotteri ramen from Musashi Kudou was no exception. It's rich tonkotsu soup was heaven in a bowl. The noodles were slightly thicker than average and cooked just the way I like. The chashu was very tender and moist. LA needs more ramen like this!

Tokyo Ramen Trip 2008 - Day 6 (Part 2)

RAMEN KOKUGIKAN (cont'd)

Jyoushouken: Chef Testuya Tomiyama received training from the master himself, Taishoken's Kazuo Yamagashi. This enabled Tomiyama to create his own version that has gained a loyal following in Gunma.

This mini tonkotsu-ramen was better than any words can describe. The chashu is slightly grilled and that grilled flavor translates over to the soup. Mmmm...


Doesn't that look good?


Menya Iroha: Chef Kiyoshi Kurihara used to be a salary man with his own business. After his business failed he ended up using his love of ramen to form his own shop. From knowing nothing about how to make ramen when he first started, his Toyama Black has become a huge success.


The shoyu-ramen was very strong, almost too strong, but still very good. The chashu was melt-in-your-mouth amazing.


The shio version of the ramen above was a lot more refreshing. There was even a little white shrimp just hanging out.


The one-bite gyoza was a perfect companion. Rather than dip it into the shoyu, it is recommended that you pour the shoyu on top and toss them straight into your mouth.

Tokyo Ramen Trip 2008 - Day 6 (Part 1)

RAMEN KOKUGIKAN

Aqua City Mall - Odaiba
website

Thanks go out to fellow ramen blogger edjusted for letting me know about this limited time ramen park in Odaiba. Be sure to check out his newly remodeled site at ramenramenramen.net.

Over the past several months, the Aqua City mall has rotated six groups of ramen shops six at a time and this is the last group to be featured. This ramen kokugikan is set to end in August so make sure you get there by then. The best part of these ramen parks is that you can order mini versions of their famous ramen, allowing every ramen fanatic to try more than just one. After eating a flurry of ramen the day before, I was only able to try two today. You'll see them in part 2.


More pics: