Hyperlocal Tokyo

I ordered the noodles firm, and they were perfectly chewy, just the way I like them. The broth was also delicious, making this a high-quality Jiro-style ramen. While many comments mention the intimidating atmosphere, I also felt it. However, the rules are clearly posted outside and inside the restaurant, so you should be fine if you read them carefully.

【Ningyocho】 Right after getting off at Ningyocho Station, I heard a commercial on the train featuring a former idol-like person saying something like, "Actually, I love this place." It seems like the commercial has been playing, because even during Obon, there was a line forming. I arrived at 11:30 and joined the line with 8 people ahead of me. After 10 minutes, there were about 15 people behind me. It took 20 minutes to be seated, and then another 10 minutes for the food to arrive, a slow pace. I ordered the tsukemen fusion, a raw egg, and a can of beer. The fusion was like a combination of Nakamoto and Ji-ro, with a mild level of spiciness.

I visited the Ningyocho Station store. It's a Jiro-inspired ramen shop, but they also offer Mongolian Tanmen. I love spicy food, but I was worried about whether I could handle that much spice, so I went with the regular ramen instead of the fusion option. It cost 850 yen. I also ordered extra pork fat on the side for 100 yen. After a while, the pork fat arrived first, and I asked for extra garlic and ginger. Then, the ramen arrived. The garlic and ginger were generously piled on top. The vegetables were also crisp and delicious. I poured the pork fat over the top and enjoyed it. The thick noodles were also delicious, and I finished the whole bowl. It was a satisfying meal.

This is a ramen shop specializing in "二郎-style" ramen. Their signature dish is a fusion ramen topped with mapo tofu. As others have mentioned, the owner is indeed not very friendly. Regarding toppings, there are yellow signs explaining the free toppings outside the shop, and another explanation is posted on the wall next to the water server, so you can check them. However, you need to tell them when you buy your ticket if you want less noodles. Well, it's the same rule as other shops, so it might be annoying if you're not used to it. The instructions say "We don't do "mashima shi" (extra toppings)", so be aware of that. The noodles are flat, thick, and uneven, designed to catch the soup. They also have limited-time menus, but I personally recommend their regular ramen.

Dry Fusion Ramen, with one pork slice, a little extra vegetables, less garlic, and ginger. I visited on a Tuesday evening in late May at 5:30 PM. There were only two other customers, so I was seated immediately. The food came out in about 5 minutes. I only ordered a little extra vegetables, but it was still quite a lot. It's been 5 and a half years since I last came here, and it seems like their definition of 'extra' has changed. The char siu was quite thick and good, but it lacked flavor. I wish they would let the flavor soak in more.