Ramen Takahashi Shinjuku Main Store — Restaurant in Tokyo

This ramen shop offers 12-15 counter seats. You purchase your tickets from a vending machine outside. The staff are friendly and welcoming. I visited after 5 PM, and the restaurant was about 40% full.

Upon being seated, we were offered a sample of their flying fish dashi served in a tea cup (see photo). This fish broth is clean and light, serving as a subtle palate cleanser rather than a main flavor component.

Given the summer heat, I ordered their cold noodles served in clam broth and a bowl of chashu-don (BBQ pork over rice) for a total of JPY 1970. The noodles came with sudachi (Japanese citrus fruit), seasoned bamboo shoots, a slice of chashu, a hard-boiled egg, and some seaweed. The broth was very clean and light, though somewhat subtle in flavor. However, served chilled, it provided a very welcome reprieve from the Tokyo summer heat. The sudachi added a nice citrus and tart kick to the noodles; otherwise, the components were simple but well-executed. The chashu-don was a satisfying addition that ensured I left full.

Overall, it's worth a visit if you're seeking a bowl of chilled noodles with clean,...

Be careful : there is fish in ALL the broths, whichever kind of ramen you choose. I put 4 points as a neutral rate, as I can't give my opinion. I went there thinking that I would get a soy sauce broth, and I realized too late that there was fish inside. I don't like fish. I could eat the ramen anyway, meaning that the taste of the fish isn't too strong or bad. But I couldn't appreciate my bowl. For a regular price (800-1000 Yen) you get a high quality bowl of ramen, with homemade soft shashu and a broth based on full fishes (not a fish powder or some artificial flavor). You'll have to queue and buy your ticket at the machine outside, but usually, the process isn't too long. There are about 10 seats at the counter, and the kitchen on the other side of it, done. You see all what the cooks do and they really put a lot of efforts and attention into making a rich broth that's exactly tasting as they intend to. You have free-to-use wasabi and yuzukosho (spicy citrus paste) to put into your broth and spice it up if you want. It's worth trying, really, but be careful, those are...

Surprisingly good ramen. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect out of a Shio Ramen with flying fish stock, and was worried that it may turn out somewhat bland like many other Shio Ramen. These worries are entirely unfounded. The Shio Ramen here, unlike the typical light and clear broth, is a very thick and hearty broth punctuated by a charred taste (which I assume comes from the flying fish stock). It’s also not overwhelmingly rich, still feeling light and tasty enough that you walk away from the meal feeling satisfied and wanting more, rather than bloated. Noodles were nice and chewy, has a texture closer to that of Sapporo Miso Ramen than Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen’s thin noodles. Would definitely recommend this, although I have not tried their two other types which is the Shoyu Ramen...