Jikaseimen Uruchi

"Jikaseimen Uruchi" is a Japanese-style chuka-soba (Chinese-style ramen) shop specializing in homemade noodles, located in Kotobuki 2-chome, just a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station Exit 1. It stands next to "Men Mitsui," another popular ramen shop, creating a ramen hotspot where queues for both establishments tend to disperse among each other. The menu features two main pillars: Tokyo Special Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Ramen (1300 yen) and Tokyo Shio (Salt) Ramen (900 yen). The clear soup (chintan soup) is light and boasts the umami of chicken and pork, complemented by the aroma of niboshi (dried sardines) and a sharp soy sauce flavor. The owner, who trained at Ogikubo "Harukiya" and "Saikoro," carries on the Harukiya-kei (Harukiya-style) tradition, offering a flavor characterized by firm saltiness and a refreshing sansho (Japanese pepper) accent. The homemade noodles are smooth and chewy, medium-thick flat straight noodles, renowned for their exquisite thickness and pleasant texture going down the throat. They are crafted to perfection, allowing the full wheat flavor to be appreciated even on their own. Toppings include special roast pork loin chashu (slow-roasted for a tender finish), homemade menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg), and homemade wontons (pork wonton and shrimp wonton) – a classic lineup where each component plays a perfectly executed role. The visual presentation is distinctly "the chuka-soba" style, complete with naruto (fish cake spiral). During evening hours, the combination of yakibuta sara (roast pork plate: slow-roasted chashu + special sauce + chopped green onions) and bottled beer (Akaboshi) is also popular, allowing patrons to enjoy drinks and appetizers before their finishing ramen – a versatile way to dine. The only condiments available on the table are white pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar, encouraging diners to savor the inherent perfection of the dish as served.