August 15, 2014. It's Obon season again, but I'm stuck working as usual. I couldn't win a bento for lunch, so I decided to eat out. I initially wanted to have soba, so I visited the only soba specialty shop in Kurayama, but unfortunately, there was a long line outside due to Obon (cries), so I had to give up. Next, I went to this place - Shinobu Shokudo. When you think of Shinobu, you think of ramen, but they also have soba and udon on the menu, so I decided to try their Shinobu soba for the first time! When I entered the shop, there were no other customers. Now, should I go for the tempura soba or the kashiwa soba? While pondering, the lady suddenly said, "We also have cold ramen!" So, I decided to go for that (laughs). The cold ramen took some time to prepare since it was a cold dish. It took about 10 minutes for it to be served! Oh!! It's quite generous with the toppings! The minced meat is a unique touch! Let's dig in. Mmm! Nice acidity. The sweetness comes later, but the sauce is quite easy to eat. The toppings include egg, cucumber, fish ham, minced meat, and tomato. They even peeled the tomato skin meticulously - they put in the effort. The noodle texture for cold ramen is perfect - not too firm, not too soft. The minced meat really stands out. I slurped it up in no time! It was quite a delicious cold ramen! I was happy to come across a summer limited menu item. Next time, I hope for the winter limited menu to feature curry ramen! Thank you for the meal! ---------------------- [My identity was revealed here too!] February 19, 2014. Revisited shop #39 in 2014. I'm heading to Tokyo tomorrow! (Not for fun though, haha) Before leaving Kurayama, I had to have Kurayama's ramen! But the shop I planned to visit was unexpectedly closed (sweat). So, I decided to go to this place after a long time! Shinobu Shokudo. There were no other customers. I briefly mentioned the curry ramen to see the lady's reaction, but it seems they don't have curry ramen (laughs). So, I ordered the "miso ramen large serving." It seems I was recognized at Shinobu Shokudo as well (sweat). The lady mentioned that her daughter posted a review on Tabelog. Some customers who came after reading my review seemed to have a good idea of who I am (sweat). They have quite a strong power of deduction (laughs). Even if you read only Shinobu's reviews, I don't think you can figure out my identity, so it seems like they read various reviews. I appreciate it! While cooking, we chatted the whole time. And then, the miso ramen large serving arrived! The simple form is still there! The bowl looks normal, so it looks like a lot of toppings - it's a generous portion! Let's start with the soup. Mmm... as mild as ever! The light miso and gentle broth evoke nostalgia! The noodles are slightly soft, which goes well with this soup. The bean sprouts and minced meat seem boiled rather than stir-fried. It's a gentle flavor that blends well with the soup. On top of those vegetables, there's chopped green onions. It's truly a simple ramen. But that's what's great about it!! The large serving is quite a lot, but I finished it quickly! I even drank up the soup! And the large serving is only 50 yen more... a pleasant price! The kind miso ramen, along with the warm service from the lady, make this ramen shop even more welcoming. Even after finishing the meal, the conversation didn't stop - we talked about the closed "Komoro" shop and the discussion was endless! I hope they continue for a long time! It was delicious! Thank you for the meal! ---------------------- [Does it taste similar to the original miso ramen? ] October 31, 2013. Revisited shop #174 in 2013. After enjoying the nostalgic miso ramen at "Kaachan's Ramen Shop" the other day, I just had to try this place too. I came to the shop the day before yesterday, but unfortunately, they were closed, so I came back for another round of revenge! I had a feeling that Shinobu Shokudo and Kaachan's Ramen had something in common... I had an abnormal craving for it. Today, there were no other customers again, but it seems like there were takeout orders.

Welcome! In a quiet corner of the bustling area near Kurayama-cho Station, there is a small dining place quietly operating. The curtain is hung the opposite way, but it doesn't mean the owner is not there, right? I thought it meant that, but it seems to have a different meaning... When I entered, the owner, Kaasan, said, "I'm here and open for business!" It's a cozy place with a counter and a small raised seating area, giving off a nostalgic vibe. I felt bad for disturbing her work, but she started cooking anyway. When I thought a customer came in, it turned out to be a dog coming back from a walk! This is just another everyday scene at this place. Kaasan took her time to make the miso ramen, and it took longer than I expected. The steam was rising from the bowl, indicating how cold it was inside the shop. But as soon as I took a sip, I was enveloped in a warm breeze. The soup was piping hot, too hot to touch the bowl! As someone with a sensitive tongue, I had to wait for it to cool down. The soup had a hint of oil floating on top, but it didn't bother me at all. The ingredients were simple yet plentiful, with bean sprouts and minced meat that were both steamed and boiled to perfection. The chunky minced meat was a delightful surprise. The light miso flavor combined with the taste of chicken broth was nostalgic and comforting. The thin curly noodles were chewy and coated in just the right amount of oil. It ended with a refreshing aftertaste, perfect for finishing off with a drink. This bowl of ramen, made with care and dedication, encapsulated the essence of this place. It was delicious and satisfying. Thank you for the meal!