Chiechan Ramen

Located just a one-minute walk from Kanda Station's West Exit, this cozy, long-established shop operates 24 hours a day, year-round, except for the New Year holidays. It's known as a purveyor of Tokyo Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen belonging to the "chan-no-ren kumiai" lineage, preserving the traditional "chan-kei" (a specific Tokyo shoyu ramen style) characteristics: a clear shoyu soup meticulously made from pork essence (butachintan: clear pork broth), a thick layer of lard on the surface, soft flat noodles, generous portions of chashu (braised pork), and free rice. The flavor profile is a two-tiered delight, combining a light, easy-to-drink broth with the rich depth brought by the lard layer. The chashu is a juicy type with a good amount of fat, and the flat noodles readily absorb the soup, allowing the lingering soy sauce flavor to expand with every bite. The table condiments include pepper, vinegar, ichimi (Japanese chili powder), and raw garlic. Adding just a small amount later in your meal can significantly alter the ramen's character. The raw garlic is peeled and potent, so it's best to start with about half a teaspoon. The menu primarily features the standard Chuka Soba (¥900), along with Chashu-men (¥1,200) and various toppings (extra chashu ¥150 / menma, nori, green onion, boiled egg ¥100 each). There are no side dishes, with free rice serving to complement the meal entirely. Despite its small setup of 14 counter seats and a table in the back, the turnover is quick; it's not uncommon for a waiting line of five people to receive their ramen within about 10 minutes.