Hyperlocal Tokyo

I'd always seen the line and wanted to try it. I went on a weekday around 10:00 am and there was almost no wait. It's open early in the morning, so you don't have to aim for opening time, which makes it pretty easy to go. When I handed over my ticket, they asked if I wanted garlic. I missed the chance to ask for extra veggies or change the pork to the shoulder cut. The pork was seriously delicious. Definitely get extra. The rest was just regular, tasty二郎-style ramen. It's worth visiting, but the line is usually pretty tough if you go at a normal time.

A thunderous roar of deliciousness echoes through the ticket gates of Tokyo Station. "Ramen Rai Tokyo Honmaru", a directly-managed branch of the popular "Chuka Soba Tomita" in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, has been drawing in lines of young women since its opening in August 2020. This restaurant packs the secret to its popularity into every bowl of ramen. I tried the "Rai Soba" this time. I enjoyed it with all the toppings: garlic, vegetables, and extra seasoning. The soup is made with a generous amount of domestic pork back fat and bones, simmered for 20 hours. The slightly emulsified soup is rich and creamy, yet it blends perfectly with the special soy sauce tare, leaving no feeling of heaviness. As a result, each sip reveals a deep, savory flavor that delights the palate. The thick, curly noodles are produced in their own factory. Their chewy texture brings out the flavor of the wheat flour, creating a dance in your mouth as you savor them with the soup. The large, rolled pork belly slices, fresh bean sprouts, and garlic add to the experience, transforming each bowl of ramen into a treasure trove of refined flavors. This "Rai Soba", arguably the pinnacle of二郎-inspired ramen, is a hearty and exquisite dish. As a directly-managed branch of the popular "Chuka Soba Tomita", "Ramen Rai Tokyo Honmaru"'s Rai Soba truly embodies the peak of heavy-duty ramen. It's a place I absolutely want to revisit. Thank you for the meal!❣️

You can enjoy Jiro-style ramen within the ticket gates of Tokyo Station. It's a popular spot, so there's usually a line, but if you go right when it opens at 8 am on weekdays, you can often get in without waiting. It's highly recommended for those who want a hearty ramen breakfast. You buy your ticket first and then join the line. You can customize your order when you hand in your ticket (garlic yes or no, lean or fatty chashu, extra vegetables, firm noodles, etc.). There are about 5 different menu items, and they were all delicious. The 'Thunder' (Rai) extra topping is a good deal and recommended. The ramen (Thunder Noodle, Thunder Miso, Ponzu) can be ordered with thicker, firmer noodles than usual, which is also delicious. They also offer takeout, so it's a great option for souvenirs.

【Evolving Flavors with Every Visit】 Sunday, around 10:30 AM. There were about 5 people waiting. After purchasing a ticket, I joined the line. As soon as I joined, they collected the ticket and asked about garlic and roast pork preferences. Thunder Noodles (Regular) ¥1,000 Extra Fat ¥100 Flavor-Changing Egg ¥100 You can order extra vegetables up to "ちょいマシ" while waiting in line. They won't ask, so be sure to mention it if you want more. Since the order is taken beforehand, it's quick from entering the store to the arrival of the noodles. Large slices of pork belly roast pork. Not dry at all, it's tender and falls apart easily. The vegetables have a strong crunch. It's incredibly delicious when eaten with the fat. I kept adding the extra fat as I ate. The noodles are thick and chewy. They intertwine with the soup, and I feel like the level has gone up since a few months ago. Midway through, I added the flavor-changing egg. Onion, ginger, and raw egg. This was my first time trying this topping, and it's going to be a must-have from now on. Adding the fat and mixing it with the noodles in a sukiyaki style creates a whole new taste sensation. A dish that gets better with every visit. It's a satisfying meal in the Tokyo Station building on a hot summer day.