Ramen Chikumo Linsen Branch — Restaurant in Zhongshan District

Title: A Taste of Tokyo in Taipei: Unpacking the Authentic Chicken Ramen at [Restaurant Name]

Introduction

Taipei's food scene is a vibrant tapestry, but sometimes, you crave a taste of something a little more specific. On a recent trip, my quest for authentic Japanese ramen led me away from the well-trodden tourist paths and into a small, unassuming shop specializing in chicken ramen. Located just a short stroll from the bustling art and design hub of Chifeng Street, this hidden gem promised a genuine taste of Japan without the usual fuss. We arrived just before the doors opened at 11:00 AM, a move that proved wise as the space quickly filled with eager patrons.

Atmosphere and Setting

The restaurant itself is modest and minimalist, focusing all the attention on the culinary experience. There are no flashy decorations or loud music. The scent of simmering chicken broth and savory soy sauce hangs invitingly in the air, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The simple wooden counter and stools invite a sense of communal dining, where each slurp and satisfied sigh becomes part of the shared symphony. Unlike the long, often chaotic queues of Chifeng District, the early arrival here felt like a calm, deliberate step toward a delicious meal.

The Food and Drinks

The star of the show was, of course, the chicken ramen. The broth, a rich golden elixir, was surprisingly well balanced. While some reviews had noted it as overly salty, I found it to be robust and deeply flavorful without being overwhelming. The owner, a thoughtful and kind presence, even offered an additional clear soup to those who might prefer a lighter, less concentrated flavor, a gesture that spoke volumes about their commitment to customer satisfaction.

The toppings were a delightful medley. The chashu pork, often the centerpiece of a ramen bowl, was tender and melted in the mouth. The chicken pieces were equally succulent, a testament to careful preparation. The noodles, the backbone of any good ramen, were perfectly cooked with a pleasant chewiness that held up beautifully to the rich broth.

However, the dish wasn't without a few minor flaws. While overall balanced, I noted a touch of excessive saltiness and a slight greasiness that clung to the broth, leaving it a bit heavy. A subtle hint of freshness, perhaps from a sprinkle of green onions or a squeeze of citrus, would have elevated the entire bowl, cutting through the richness and rounding out the flavors. The only real misstep was with the meatballs; they were a tad too chewy, lacking the satisfying texture of the other elements.

As for the sides, the fried chicken was a standout. It arrived with a beautiful golden crust, and upon the first bite, a rush of juicy, tender meat. It was, however, quite oily, a minor trade-off for its incredible juiciness.

Service

The service was prompt and genuinely warm. The owner's kindness and willingness to accommodate different tastes with the extra clear soup left a lasting impression. Their passion for their craft was evident in every interaction, making the dining experience feel personal and cared for.

Price/Value

Considering the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the flavors, the price point offers excellent value. It provides a satisfying and memorable meal that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the best ramen shops in Tokyo, all without the premium price tag. For a taste of genuine Japanese ramen in Taipei, this place is an absolute steal.

Conclusion

If you are a ramen purist on the hunt for a truly authentic chicken ramen experience in Taipei, this is the place to be. While a tad on the salty and oily side, the overall balance, the exceptional quality of the noodles, and the delicious chicken and chashu make it a solid and highly enjoyable bowl. Skip the long waits and tourist crowds of Chifeng Street's most famous spots and make a beeline for this understated gem. It's a journey well...

Deluxe Chicken Broth Ramen ($350): Last time I had a Rich Chicken Broth Ramen which was $100 cheaper because it didn’t contain soft-boiled egg, seaweed, and minced chicken meat balls which tasted succulent and salty. The noodles, roasted pork, roasted chicken and broth were all as delicious and juicy as the other brunch (Guanghua) I went to. Moreover, the staff would also ask you if you do eat spring onions or onions and you can ask for not putting those in your bowl.

Yuzu Tea (Sweet Citrus Tea) ($70): Aside from the chicken broth ramen, this has always been the most authentic Yuzu Tea I’ve ever had.

In conclusion, Menya Chikumo nearly beats most of the ramen noodle restaurants and it’s definitely a paradise for chicken broth and sweet citrus tea. The price was moderate and the service has always been enthusiastic and efficient. In terms of the transportation, it takes 5-10 minutes to walk from the MRT Zhongshan station. Overall, it’s a 10 out of 10!

FYI, you scan the QR code to order and no 10% service charge is included...

This is where my mind goes whenever I NEED delicious japanese food at late, nearly ungodly hours. Their ramen quality is very competitive with Japanese ramen quality... handily passing many middling ramen shops I've been to over there.

I had an especially happy time with the tsukemen set because everything was on point when I got it. Fish gravy broth was rich and fishy and the ramen was firm and flavorful. The egg: yeah that's an art.

I've also had many of their other dishes and those are pretty solid (but I didn't bring my camera those times). Things are on the pricier side, but I honestly don't hold back when I'm here because I can trust it. That said, the portions are just right, so it's better to not order more than you can eat. I ALMOST got some sides, but was glad I didn't this time because just the tsukemen alone...