Menya Asahi

Menya Asahi, directly affiliated with the Daikiya Group, is a popular Iekei (Yokohama-style) ramen shop located in a shopping street, just a 3-minute walk from JR Kamata Station's East Exit. Even in Kamata's fiercely competitive Iekei ramen scene, it earns strong support for its excellent cost performance, particularly with its all-you-can-eat rice for 100 yen. With the opening of its Kinshicho branch in Sumida Ward, the Kamata shop has now taken on the status of the "main branch." The biggest feature of Menya Asahi is its long operating hours, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM the following day (11:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekends and holidays). It holds a unique position as an Iekei shop offering "Asa-Ramen" (morning ramen) at a special price of 780 yen until 11:00 AM. Signature dishes include the Regular Ramen for 900 yen, Smoked Chashu Ramen, and Special Ramen for 1250 yen. The soup is a rich Tonkotsu Shoyu (pork bone and soy sauce) directly from the Daikiya lineage, crafted in layers with the crispness of soy sauce, the aroma of Chiyu (chicken oil), and a powerful, savory saltiness extracted deep from the bones. It's an "aggressive" style, stimulating the tongue with a strong, salty soy sauce flavor from the very first sip, setting it apart from the trend of milder types. Even at its default, the saltiness is quite robust, with a deep and rich savory saltiness so prominent that many returning customers order it "koime" (stronger flavor). However, it also features the sweetness of chicken oil characteristic of the Budouka/Daikiya Iekei style, giving it a more forward umami impression compared to Machida Shoten. The noodles are medium-thick, short, flat noodles from Sakai Seimen, a purveyor favored by Iekei shops, offering an outstanding chewy texture that pairs exceptionally well with the rich soup. They are delicious even when ordered "katame" (firm) and maintain their stable quality without breaking down when ordered "yawarakame" (soft). The chashu (braised pork) is the large smoked loin familiar to the Daikiya lineage, with a moist texture and smoky aroma that transfers to the soup, adding depth (while not as intensely smoky as Yoshimuraya direct affiliates, the meat quality is high). Ordering the "Smoked Chashu Ramen" allows you to enjoy a luxurious serving piled high with this smoked chashu. Another main attraction is the self-service all-you-can-eat rice for 100 yen. Next to the rice cooker, you'll find "Ura-kappa" (a pickled side dish of cucumber and finely diced chashu marinated in a salt-based sauce), Goku Ninniku (soy-pickled garlic), Goku Shouga (pickled ginger), mayonnaise, and fried onions (often a complimentary service item), allowing you to assemble your own "Guilty Gohan" (customized, indulgent rice bowl). The classic Iekei style of dipping nori (seaweed) in soup and wrapping it around rice can be enjoyed to perfection. Staff are predominantly international, known for their brisk service and operations focused on quick turnover. There's even consideration for customers, with a sheltered space for queuing on rainy days. Menya Asahi is a convenient place to enjoy a rich bowl of Iekei ramen over extended hours.