わらわーるど
Located at Yukigaya-Otsuka Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, this ramen shop exudes a sense of dignity with its traditional Japanese-style exterior. The most popular dish, "Hazuki Ramen," combines dried pollack, sardines, and horse mackerel with a fish-based soup made from bonito flakes, mackerel flakes, saury flakes, and kombu, as well as clam and chicken broth extracted from Nagoya Cochin or Kagoshima red chicken. Everything from the homemade noodles to the roasted pork, bamboo shoots, seasoned egg, and wontons is made from scratch, which is a key factor in its popularity. The homemade noodles are made with a blend of "durum semolina" and tapioca flour, resulting in a chewy yet al dente texture. The shop is open for lunch from 11:30 to 14:00 and for dinner from 18:00 to 20:30, with lunch service until 15:00 on Sundays and holidays. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I visited on a weekend afternoon and had to wait about 20 minutes due to the line. I ordered the "Hazuki Special Wonton Ramen" (¥1450) and "Garlic Rice" (¥350). The shop provides umbrellas at the entrance, showing consideration for customers who may have to wait in line. The shop limits the number of servings for each type of ramen, so it's recommended to arrive early to get your desired dish. The interior is run by two staff members, a female and a male. The ramen here is quite filling due to the richness of the chashu pork, so adding a rice dish later on is a good idea. The ramen arrived shortly after ordering. The broth was rich in umami from the flakes. The noodles, a defining feature of this shop, were thin and chewy, reminiscent of pasta but with a firm al dente texture that held the broth well. The wontons had a hint of truffle flavor in the meat filling. The signature yellow-colored seasoned egg had a creamy texture with a savory soy sauce flavor. The chashu pork was tender with a crispy texture, releasing a sweet fat with each bite. The chicken chashu was moist and peppery. Lastly, the "Garlic Rice" was generously topped with tender chicken and roasted garlic, providing a unique tangy flavor from the chopped garlic marinated in soy sauce. Overall, this shop stands out in Ota Ward for its unique approach, focusing on quality and handmade dishes rather than following the typical "local shop" trend in the area.