Menya Sho Honten

"Menya Sho Honten" is located in the northern area of Nishi-Shinjuku, a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's West Exit, heading north on Otakibashi-dori towards Okubo. It is a famous salt ramen shop representing Nishi-Shinjuku, selected as a Tabelog Hyakumeiten (one of Tabelog's Top 100 Restaurants) for nine consecutive years from 2017 to 2025. An established shop operating for over 20 years, its signature dish is a salt ramen that maximizes the rich flavor of Shamo chicken (gamecock). Its most distinctive feature is the clear, golden broth, a superb dashi (broth) made from Shamo chicken, layered with the fragrant aroma of chiyu (chicken oil) generously floating on the surface. While light, it boasts a deep richness, with the full aroma of chicken spreading throughout the mouth. The menu offers a wide range, from the simple Shamo Salt Ramen for 1000 yen to the deluxe 1500 yen Special Ramen, which includes three types of chashu (braised pork), ajitama (seasoned egg), two wontons, extra-thick menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and Kujo green onions. The noodles are thin and straight, "patsu-patsu" (firm and snappy) style with low hydration, sourced from Menya Teigaku, an established noodle maker in Kyoto. For the tori-paitan (creamy chicken broth) menu, custom noodles from Kanno Seimenjo are specifically used, demonstrating the shop's authentic approach. The chashu is a combination of multiple types, such as three slices of pork, one slice of duck, and one slice of chicken. The smoked duck chashu and the moist chicken chashu are especially popular among regular customers. The wontons have a moist filling, and the extra-thick menma, shaped like railroad ties, offers a satisfying texture. In addition to the signature salt ramen, the menu also features Shamo Special Shoyu (soy sauce) Ramen, Wonton Tori-Paitan Ramen (1550 yen), Tsukemen (dipping noodles), Yakitori-don (grilled chicken rice bowl), and Buta-don (pork rice bowl), along with a variety of side dishes. During lunchtime, ordering ramen or tsukemen includes a free large serving of noodles or a free bowl of rice. Mondays sometimes offer free kae-dama (noodle refills). There are also days when a special upgrade coupon, valid only for that day, can be applied. On the last Friday of every month, there's a special event featuring limited collaboration noodles made with jidori (local free-range chicken) selected by the owner (e.g., Hinekko Jidori x Yamato Nikudori), attracting many repeat customers who specifically plan their visits for this day.