Ginza Tanmen

A tanmen (a type of ramen featuring stir-fried vegetables and meat in a clear soup) specialty shop opened in 2019 on the 1st floor of Ginza Saito Building at Ginza 4-14-3, just a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station's Exit 5. It's characterized by its bold simplicity, offering a choice between just two menu items: "Tanmen" (1,100 yen) and "Large Tanmen" (1,300 yen). The soup is a gentle, clear, salt-based chintan (clear soup) made from a chicken bone broth, infused with the rich umami and sweetness of napa cabbage and pork. A distinctive feature is the "napa cabbage as the star" style, where a generous amount of cabbage covers the entire bowl. The origin of the napa cabbage is posted daily on the wall (e.g., Ibaraki-grown yellow-core napa cabbage, Awaji Island-grown, Oumibijin variety), and its sweetness and texture vary depending on the season and origin. The noodles are thin and straight, and the cabbage acts as a lid, keeping the soup piping hot until the very last bite, so much so that some customers burn their mouths. Optional toppings include "Butter" (100 yen, adds richness), "Nori" (150 yen, dried seaweed), and "Cilantro" (150 yen, large serving also available, fresh and sweet type). The owner's homemade rayu (chili oil), available for free on the table and also for sale in bottles, is a great seasoning to enhance the soup's flavor. White pepper, vinegar, and homemade rayu are available on the table, and many regulars finish their bowls with plenty of white pepper. It's a popular shop selected among the Tabelog TOP 5000, and the owner's warm smile and attentive service are also highly praised. Operating hours are limited, as the shop is completely closed on weekends and national holidays, and only open for lunch on Fridays. Therefore, it is necessary to check the business days before visiting.