Menya Garon
麺屋 我論
Overview
“Menya Garon (Garon)” is located on a small street in Shinjuku's Golden Gai. As part of the 5 Gallons Group, which operates restaurants primarily in Golden Gai and Yotsuya Arakicho, it's a ramen shop specializing in additive-free (無化調 mukachō) ramen, operating in a unique space converted from the first floor of a bar. Its most striking feature is its unconventional, dim atmosphere with skull lighting, a departure from typical ramen shops, and a compact interior with only 12 U-shaped counter seats. The soup is an additive-free creation made from whole chicken, pork, and konbu (昆布 kelp) dashi (出汁 broth) extracted with carbonated water, offering a clear (淡麗 tanrei) yet distinctly flavorful and easy-to-drink taste. The signature Yuzu-scented Clear Salt Ramen (850 yen) is designed so that adding yuzukosho (柚子こしょう a spicy citrus paste) served on a separate plate midway through tightens the overall flavor with a sharp spiciness and richness. The Clear Shoyu Ramen (Special) is also a classic menu item, with the “special” version featuring a rich variety of toppings: chashu (チャーシュー braised pork), ajitama (煮卵 seasoned egg), menma (メンマ bamboo shoots), shredded green onions, kaiware daikon (かいわれ大根 daikon radish sprouts), chili threads, and chopped onions. The limited-quantity Nira-men (1250 yen) is a high-impact dish, characterized by a presentation where an entire bunch of chives (ニラ nira) is finely chopped and spread over the soup, then hot sesame oil is poured over it with a sizzling sound to finish. The generous volume, which hardly diminishes even when scooped with a ladle, and the unique flavor of chives coated in sesame oil create a distinctive experience. The noodles are thin and straight, retaining a firm chewiness, pairing well with both the clear soup and the abura soba (油そば oil noodles)-like Nira-men. Due to its location in the Golden Gai area, it attracts a high proportion of foreign customers, and service, handled by the owner alone, is leisurely, taking around 6-10 minutes per order. During lunchtime, free rice is offered, allowing customers to enjoy Nira-men by topping the rice with chives.
How to Order
1Before entering
Located a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit, about a 5-minute walk (386m) from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, in an alley of Shinjuku Golden Gai. Open Mon-Sat 11:30-15:00 / 18:30-22:30, closed Sundays (open on public holidays). The space feels unlike a ramen shop with skull lighting and unique dim interior. Due to its location in the Golden Gai area, the proportion of international customers is high during evening hours.
2Purchasing meal tickets
Purchase meal tickets from the vending machine at the back right of the store, then proceed to your seat. The vending machine has no photos but has English display, difficulty level 2, cash only. The menu features a wide variety: Additive-free Yuzu-scented clear salt ramen 850 yen, clear soy sauce ramen (special), Niramenu 1250 yen (limited quantity), Niboshi, Tantanmen, and Hiyashi (cold). Niramenu is an impactful dish using a whole bundle of chives, characterized by the spectacle of pouring hot sesame oil over the chives on top. Free rice service is available during lunch hours. Payments are cash only; credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
3Seating and receiving your order
A U-shaped counter layout with only 12 seats, operated by a single owner (one-man operation). Due to the high number of international customers, expect serving time to be around 6-10 minutes. Customers are guided to available seats in order.
4Other
As one of the 5 Gallons Group restaurants, which operates eateries mainly in Golden Gai and Yotsuya Arakicho, it operates in a unique space converted from the first floor of a bar. The soup is additive-free, made from whole chicken, pork, and konbu dashi (broth) extracted with carbonated water, resulting in a clear yet distinctly flavorful and easy-to-drink taste. The noodles are medium-thin straight, with a good texture, and the toppings are varied: chashu (braised pork), nitamago (seasoned egg), menma (bamboo shoots), shiraganegi (julienned green onions), kaiware daikon (radish sprouts), ito togarashi (shredded chili pepper), and finely chopped onions. The green chili on the table is a flavor-changing item that adds a strong spicy accent. For the Yuzu-scented salt ramen, yuzu kosho (yuzu chili paste) is served on a separate plate; adding it tightens the overall flavor with a sharp spiciness and richness.
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Seating
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Voices
今年もラーメン始めます。一発めは新宿三丁目。というかゴールデン街の「麺屋 我論」へ。
— ひ ら さ ん ⊿ (@flatstream_dx) January 5, 2026
バーが始めた本格ラーメン。無化調のパキパキ細麺を醤油ベースのスープしっかりな生姜風味で。あとは飲み屋っぽいメイカーズマーク味玉。ちゃんとウイスキー味。全体としては圧倒的に麺が強いなあ。#ramendb pic.twitter.com/qXNiHOYn8t
新宿三丁目「麺屋 我論」。ゴールデン街にあるラーメン屋。淡麗 醤油ら～めんの煮卵(1000円)を注文。サッパリしていて食べやすいラーメン。味変で青唐辛子を頂いたが、これがピリ辛で非常に美味しかった。酒の締めにも良さそうなクオリティの高い1杯でした！ pic.twitter.com/cj4AHWGpxJ
— どぶねずみ＠カレーとサウナ (@NezumiCurry) September 26, 2025
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | No waitRef. | - | - | No waitRef. |
| Weekend | - | - | No waitRef. | - |
* Dashed cells = reference data from past visit examples (replaced once enough reviews arrive)
Dietary Notes
No dietary data yet
This information is based on user reports and is not official information from the shop. Cross-contamination in the cooking environment cannot be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies, please confirm directly with the shop.
Animal-free menu available
Reports received (1)
No MSG
Reports received (1)
Gluten-free menu available
Reports received (1)
Halal options available
Reports received (1)
Dietary information is verified through blind consensus. Reports become public when 3 or more independent users agree.
Ingredients & Allergens
Allergen info coming soon
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