Ramen Hōsenka Shinjuku — Restaurant in Tokyo

Stumbled upon this place while in Shinjuku during lunch time. We had wanted to visit another brand name 24 hour Ramen joint but were dispelled by the long(er) lines. However, what providence! When one makes it past the (shorter) queue and the onerous cash only vending machine, one is treated with one very phenomenal ramen. It was by far the best ramen I had during my week long trip in Tokyo. The counter only seating restaurant is cosy as one would come to expect of a Shokudo (eat and leave, linger not). This allows one to witness the 4 black bandana-ed ninja service staff run a very tight ship. Service is efficient, Japanese style. I opted for the shio ramen. Deceptive as the clear broth looked, it was a multi dimensional flavour explosion in the mouth with hints of yuzu. The addition of charred chopped red onions was genius as it imparted a subtle smokey flavour profile which complimented the very clean tasting kinmedai (golden eye snapper) broth. The noodles were cooked to perfection – firm with a satisfying bite. As was the nitamago (I could have devoured another...or 3!) Unlike other ramen joints, the pork here is served thinly shaved (almost ham like) and in a mound atop the noodles. For a non-pork fan this was as "non porky" as it could get - vis-a-vis the thicker cuts of charshu that accompany most other ramens. The spring onions and the bamboo shoot topping added contrast and crunch. This was Japan in a bowl - precise, thoughtfully imagined and executed. This ramen was faultless. And at that price point - what an...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a ramen shop in Tokyo, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish! The staff was exceptionally kind and welcoming, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the ramen itself. It was absolutely phenomenal! The soup was clean and bursting with rich flavors that left me wanting more with every spoonful. The broth had the perfect balance of savory and umami, and the noodles were cooked to perfection – firm with a satisfying bite. The combination of toppings and ingredients elevated the dish to another level of deliciousness.

The attention to detail and the excellent execution in every aspect of their ramen was evident. It's no wonder there was a queue outside the shop! Despite having to wait, I can confidently say that it was well worth it. The flavors and quality of the ramen were exceptional, and I left feeling completely satisfied.

If you're a ramen enthusiast visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend queuing up for this incredible ramen shop. The friendly staff, the clean and flavorful soup, and the overall dining experience make it a must-visit destination....

One of the best sea bream ramens I've had in Japan. The soup is clear yet poignant, and the umami from the sea lingers in my mouth long after I have finished the ramen. The side ingredients also contributed to the favourable experience - the ajidama (boiled egg) is timed to perfection and is presented in a very lovely state. The slices of grilled fish serve to accenuate the ramen broth.

The ramen shop is located close to several train stations in Shinjuku, so it is convenient to both locals and visitors alike. It also opens till late at night so it is one of the best choices for a late snack if you are around Shinjuku.

I have tried 2 other ramen shops (鈴蘭 and 麦ゑ紋) from the same ramen Hayashida Group (sadly I haven't tried the Hayashida shop itself, although I have been to Shinjuku and Akabane many times during this trip), and they are all of exceptional quality.

Would definitely recommend this ramen shop for people who are craving for ramen when shopping in...