Men Mitsui

A ramen restaurant located about a 3-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and also within walking distance of Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express. Inside the calm, white-toned interior reminiscent of a traditional Japanese restaurant (Kappo), guests can experience a bowl reflecting straightforward, dedicated craftsmanship.

The signature "Shoyu" (Soy Sauce) ramen features a soup base crafted from a blend of multiple soy sauces combined with a broth drawn from whole chicken, seafood, and dried sardines. The house-made medium-thick noodles are individually hand-kneaded just after an order is placed, resulting in a unique curl, a firm chewiness, and a wonderfully springy texture.

The chashu pork is also one of the true highlights of visiting this restaurant. The ramen is crowned with a double topping of two different varieties: one slice of pork loin cooked at a low temperature, offering a tender texture similar to ham, and another slice of pork belly grilled over charcoal. The former releases a gentle, subtle savoriness, while the latter brings out the sweetness of the fat and a rich, smoky aroma. As you eat, the savory depth and smokiness from the chashu gradually infuse into the soup, creating a delightful, natural evolution of flavors. For a side dish, the restaurant also offers "Source Katsu-don", a regional specialty from Fukui Prefecture, which is the owner's hometown.