Kaidashi Ramen Umikaze Asakusa

"Kaida-shi Ramen Umikaze Asakusa Store," a specialty ramen shop featuring clam broth (kaidashi), is located on the 1st floor of Dearest Asakusa in Asakusa 2-chome, a 2-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station Exit A. Having reopened in November 2024, this renewed store offers a variety of ramen dishes centered around the savory umami of shellfish, operating until midnight. It's a rare and valuable option for clam broth ramen in the Asakusa area. Their signature dish is the clam broth ramen (available in salt, miso, and soy sauce flavors), featuring a clear (chintan) soup where the umami of shellfish subtly permeates. The flavor is clear and pure, allowing the distinct essence of the broth to be fully appreciated. The oil is not too heavy, creating a well-balanced soup that can be enjoyed to the last drop. The noodles are homemade flat noodles, smooth and easy to swallow. Toppings include 2-3 types of chashu (braised pork, with some menu options offering chicken, beef, or pork), moistly finished slow-cooked meat, fibrous bamboo shoots (hosaki menma), shredded leeks (shiraga negi), spinach, and chopped onions. Variations derived from the signature ramen include oyster ramen (1000 yen, with 2 oysters), spicy miso (featuring the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns, sansho), and clam broth soy sauce ramen, among other diverse options. The lunch set (1000 yen) is a great value, offering 6 combinations of ramen and a mini rice bowl to choose from. The side dish, takikomi gohan (seasoned rice, 200 yen), is perfectly cooked with clam broth infused into the rice, making it a popular staple ordered by repeat customers. The staff, including international members, contribute to a bright atmosphere, and interactions with the owner are friendly and approachable. The spacious layout, combining a counter and box seating, is designed to accommodate guests who wish to enjoy drinks and appetizers before finishing their meal with a bowl of clam broth ramen.