Chukasoba Sakurazaka

"Chuka Soba Sakurazaka," a long-established ramen shop, has been serving customers since 2004 from its location on the 1st floor of Yoshino Building, 17-10 Sakuragaoka-cho, a mere 4-minute walk from the South Exit of various JR Shibuya Station lines. This beloved establishment has garnered support from both local patrons and ramen aficionados from afar, continuing its legacy in the redeveloping Shibuya Sakuragaoka-cho area. The soup is a double (W-soup) blend of pork bones and seafood ingredients like niboshi (dried sardines) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes), resulting in a rich, flavorful broth where the fragrant umami of bonito flakes and the clear outline of soy sauce beautifully emerge. The noodles, made from Hokkaido wheat, are medium-thin to medium-thick, chewy, and high-hydration, designed to intertwine perfectly with the soup. The extensive menu offers a wide selection, allowing customers to choose according to their preference: Chuka Soba (1100 yen), Tokusei Chuka Soba (Special Chuka Soba, 1300-1450 yen), Shio Soba (Salt Ramen), Miso Soba (Miso Ramen), Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles), and Tokusei Tsukemen (Special Tsukemen, 1350 yen). The "Tokusei" (Special) ramen boasts a generous portion, featuring three slices of chashu (braised pork), hosaki menma (bamboo shoots), four sheets of nori (seaweed), ajitama (seasoned egg), and a mountain of shiraganegi (shredded green onions), truly a fulfilling and special preparation. The pork belly chashu is thick, large, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, allowing the rich umami of the pork to be fully appreciated. For the Tsukemen (dipping noodles), the thick and rich W-soup combines animal-based umami from chicken and pork with seafood-based umami from niboshi (dried sardines) and katsuobushi (bonito), perfectly complemented by the medium-thick, square-cut, high-hydration noodles which adeptly lift the flavorful dipping broth. With a compact design featuring only 14 counter seats, the calm and attentive service from the owner and female staff creates a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Table condiments are kept to a minimum, ensuring that customers can fully savor the perfect balance of the soup's original flavor. As Shibuya's cityscape transforms with redevelopment, this ramen shop continues to attract strong support, consistently serving exceptional bowls of ramen.