Ramen Horiuchi Shinjuku

Raamen Horiuchi Shinjuku Honten is located in a back alley of Nishi-Shinjuku, a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's West Exit. Following the lineage of the long-established Raamen Manrai operating next door, Horiuchi, along with Manrai, has been cherished for many years as one of Shinjuku West Exit's two long-standing ramen shops. Its main feature is the "zaru" (tsukemen - dipping noodles) style, with a generous serving of smooth, chewy, flat, wavy noodles. The dipping broth (tsukejiru) is soy-sauce based with a slight acidity, uniquely adjusted and often described as less sour than Manrai's. The signature Raamen (1000 yen) is a simple yet rich light soy sauce broth, featuring the umami of chicken and pork. It pairs well with the medium-thick, chewy noodles, and the portion size is ample. The chashu (braised pork) is thick-cut, tender, and has less fat, offering a satisfying combination with the large slices, similar to Manrai's. The Chashu Zaru Raamen (1550 yen) is a classic for meat lovers, with generous chunks of large chashu served in the dipping broth. For a unique option, there's also Natto Zaru Raamen (1250 yen), a distinctive style where natto (fermented soybeans) and raw egg are mixed into the dipping broth, along with ingredients like shredded chashu, menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and green onions. Since rice is not served, customers can either drink the remaining dipping broth or enjoy it by altering its flavor with pepper and vinegar available at the table. With long operating hours from 8 AM to 11 PM, it is also supported as one of the establishments that uphold Shinjuku's morning ramen culture. Even if the neighboring Manrai is crowded, there are often times when Horiuchi is relatively easy to enter, making it a convenient alternative for those seeking tsukemen or chashu-men in Shinjuku's West Exit area. With a staff of three, the service is swift and efficient, and the table turnover is good.