umaimono-daisuki
Appearance
The shop is located about a 3-minute walk from Nishi-Hachioji Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, along Route 20 (commonly known as Koshu Kaido). The exterior is a quite weathered tent, but it was established in 1994. It seems to always have a line during lunchtime, indicating that it is quite a popular shop. Parking is not available at the store, but there are coin-operated parking lots nearby as the station is also close by.
Interior
The interior consists of only an L-shaped counter seat, giving a cozy impression with ample space between seats. There are a total of 10 counter seats. The menu offers only one type of ramen, with a total of 7 variations based on toppings. Additional toppings are limited to seaweed and onions. The side menu includes rice and gyoza, also kept simple.
Gyoza
The gyoza comes in a standard size of 5 pieces per serving. It has a distinctive well-browned, firm sear. The skin is very thin, offering a crispy sear texture and a chewy texture despite the thin skin. The filling mainly consists of meat and cabbage, providing juiciness and deliciousness.
Menma Ramen
Upon reading a review on Tabelog that the "Menma Ramen is delicious," I couldn't help but order it. The amount of menma in the Menma Ramen lives up to its name, generously included and cooked to a tender texture. The flavor is quite rich in a sweet and spicy taste, not overwhelming, making it enjoyable even with rice.
Chashu
The chashu, made from domestic pork shoulder, is cut slightly thick but in a smaller size. It is not heavily seasoned, allowing the deliciousness of the meat to shine through, with a good level of chewiness.
Noodles
The noodles are thin with a slight curl, providing a smooth and slippery texture that pairs well with the soup, offering a pleasant mouthfeel. The large portion option seemed quite generous in noodle quantity.
Soup
The surface of the ramen is generously topped with one of the main features of Hachioji Ramen, plenty of onions. The onions add a sweet flavor and complement the soup well without being overpowering. The soup is a rich brown color, based on pork bones, bonito, mackerel, and aromatic vegetables, enhanced with soy sauce aged for two weeks and homemade special lard. It has a noticeable sweetness, a strong umami taste, and a nostalgic yet robust punch, which I personally enjoyed.
Review
"Absolutely!!!! Will definitely come back!!!!"