タケマシュラン
If we were to list a few ramen shops in Shibuya that most foodies would include in their top five, it would undoubtedly be "Chinamendokan Kiraku." Established in 1952, this long-standing shop has been selected as one of the top 100 restaurants on Tabelog. It is located in a pink-colored area called "Hyakken Tennyushoku-machi" off the main street of Dogenzaka. The opening hours are from 11:30 to 20:30, making it convenient, but there is always a long line. The first floor has counter seats, while the second floor has table seats. If you are dining alone, they will skip the group customers and seat you quickly, so it's better to visit alone to avoid any hassle. Additionally, food delivery services are quite active, with delivery drivers coming in and out, adding to the bustling atmosphere.
I splurged and ordered the "Chashu Wantanmen (1,150 yen)" and the "Niku Yasai (650 yen)," totaling 1,800 yen. In conclusion, it was too much food, and for those with a normal appetite, it's best to stick to just one bowl of noodles. The chashu slices are thick and huge. They have a dry texture and are not particularly delicious, especially when left to cool, creating a cold relationship with the ramen. It's recommended to flip them over early on to replenish the moisture and temperature. The homemade wantan comes generously with six pieces. The seasoned egg is a hard-boiled type that feels outdated but adds a nostalgic touch to the dish. While the soups in traditional old-fashioned ramen shops are often light and lacking in flavor, the one here has a solid richness that leaves a lasting impression even in the Reiwa era. The noodles are fairly thick and cooked al dente, with a chewy texture that I personally enjoy.
On the other hand, there are mixed opinions online, with comments like "inconsistent" and "too hard," so personal preference and luck may also play a part. The "Niku Yasai" dish is dominated by bean sprouts rather than vegetables, and since the ramen already has plenty of bean sprouts, it feels redundant. Perhaps "Niku Nira" would have been a better choice. The taste resembles the traditional Chinese-style meat and vegetable stir-fry found in downtown areas, similar to the popular Maika in Ebisu. All of this for 1,800 yen. As mentioned at the beginning, it was clearly too much food, and it would have been better to stick to just one bowl of ramen or add some pan-fried dumplings for a more balanced meal. Still, I'm curious about the "salt section" and the tempting fried rice options. If I have business in Shibuya again, I will definitely stop by this place.