Men ZIN Saito

"Men-ZIN Saito" is a Wagyu ramen specialty shop spearheaded by Yutaka Saito, the first RIZIN Featherweight Champion. It was established in Akihabara after raising funds through crowdfunding, with Saito teaming up with Mr. Ito, a ramen chef with 13 years of experience at a popular downtown shop. The shop's name is a playful take on "RIZIN". The interior, featuring only a U-shaped counter with 10 seats, showcases a championship belt displayed beside the seats. During lunchtime, the shop specializes in Wagyu Paitan Tanmen. The Paitan (creamy white) soup, slowly simmered from Wagyu beef, is surprisingly creamy and mellow with no lingering heaviness, despite its rich appearance. It takes the concept of Nagasaki Champon soup, making it even smoother and condensing its umami. Each bowl is generously topped with cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, chives, and onions stir-fried vigorously with beef fat. The noodles are custom-made medium-thick wavy noodles (chutabuto chijire-men) from Asakusa Kaikaro, offering a chewy texture that beautifully coats the soup. In the evening, the specialty shifts to Wagyu Gyushi Mazesoba (mixed noodles). This dish is enjoyed by dipping the noodles into a unique, meringue-like dipping sauce (tsuke-jiru) to introduce a change of flavor (ajien). Adding Cha-gyu (roast beef-style rare chashu, 400 yen) further elevates the dish's perfection. The "Tsuigeki Powder" available on the table offers a garlic-flavored change of flavor; sprinkling it from the start allows for a consistent taste experience throughout the meal. A playful touch includes a "Kansha no Kiwami" (ultimate gratitude) message appearing at the bottom of the bowl, and there are even days when Mr. Saito himself greets customers at the shop.