Akasaka Ramen A.K.A very solid ramen

Ramen is definitely a must ‘hunt-and try’ in Japan. But to find a really good one to rave about, you would probably need the help of the locals.

We got the address of this really small ramen place along “busy-by-corporate-day-but-ghostly-by-night” Akasaka. Sis L got the recommendation from a good friend J who frequented Tokyo for work and she said we just had to make a trip there. Well let’s say, we weren’t disappointed and even set aside lunch on our last day for an absolutely must-revisit.

This little Japanese eatery is almost reminiscent of our old-school make-shift food stalls along the roads of old Chinatown sans the proper kitchen and a cash-register.

A simple plastic curtain shields diners from the sun and rain and a small little sign-board announces it's contrasting presence among it's commerical building neighbours.

The menu emphasizes it's simplicity, a couple of ramen choices and beer for the alcohol thirsty and water for the salt-invoked thirsty. At the top of the menu, is the clearly recommended ‘Prime-minister’ Ramen, the ramen of choice by the prime minister himself…What other ramen will we choose right?!

So we got ourselves all squashed together in a tiny four-seater, ordered our beers and enjoyed the warmth from the kitchen while we waited.

The noodles, are ‘slur-pee-lious’. Unlike some egg-noodles you get that turn soggy, fat and slightly bitter after awhile in their broth, this remained springy and really delicious. The soup was a pleasant pork-bone broth, with a touch of sesame oil, and a generous dollop of mentaiko. Good already on its own, top that with a dash of garlic, and the soup becomes even tastier and addictive.

Definitely on my top-five to try list for Tokyo.

2-12-8 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

http://www.kyusyujangara.co.jp/shops/akasaka.htm

For various addresses in Tokyo