ヤマト1215
Special Ramen Medium 1050 yen
Cabbage 100 yen
Chashu 200 yen
Rice x2 Free
Known as one of the top drinking districts in Tokyo, Shinbashi is a bustling area near the upscale Ginza, the administrative hub of Kasumigaseki, and Tokyo Station. Even late at night, the place is filled with drinkers wandering around. One place that caters to these late-night drinkers until 2 am without fail is Ramen Yaseke. It's a popular shop that never has long lines even in the wee hours. The shop is run by a former employee of the famous Tokyo ramen shop Musashikaya. Now, let's move on to the ramen review.
First, let's talk about the soup. It has a unique flavor typical of Tokyo-style ramen, different from Yokohama-style ramen. The broth is rich and concentrated, with a strong pork flavor and a noticeable saltiness. The depth of flavor in the pork broth is truly impressive, and the lack of any unpleasant odor despite the intensity of the pork flavor is a testament to the skill of the chef.
Next, the noodles. The noodles are supplied by the reliable Sakai Seimen company, but for some reason, they tasted exceptionally delicious this time. Perhaps it's because I haven't had a bowl of ramen from the family lineage in a while, or maybe it's because it's Ramen Yaseke, I'm not sure. I ordered the noodles firm, and they had a delightful chewy texture that complemented the overall flavor of the dish perfectly. Personally, I think there is a correlation between the deliciousness of the noodles and the richness of the broth. Shops like Yoshimuraya and Kanki 2, which are direct descendants of the original Musashikaya, have very rich broth, so they focus more on the soup rather than the noodles. In the case of Ramen Yaseke, I believe the chef's skill lies in the balance of the broth, which allows the noodles to shine.
Moving on to the toppings, I will highlight the ones that stood out. The spinach and cabbage were both incredibly fresh and delicious, with a natural sweetness that enhanced the ramen experience. The chashu was cooked at a low temperature, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat with just the right amount of fat. The seasoned egg was perfectly runny and tasty, although I wish they had offered a whole egg instead of a half.
Lastly, the rice and accompanying toppings. The rice was cooked to a firm texture, and it tasted quite fresh, perhaps due to being new crop rice. The fact that it was complimentary is a remarkable gesture of customer service. The garlic was odorless but still packed a punch, providing a satisfying kick. The chili-infused soy sauce on the table was spicy, just like the one I had at Miuraya, adding a nice heat to the meal.
Overall, Ramen Yaseke is a gem that serves delicious ramen with a robust pork broth until 2 am. I ordered a medium portion this time, which turned out to be quite generous, so next time, I'll opt for a regular size and customize my rice toppings for a more enjoyable dining experience.