Ramen Kurouzu

"Ramen Kuro-uzu" (located at Shinjuku 3-7-8) is conveniently situated just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station and a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. As a sister restaurant developed by the popular Tokyo ramen group "Hayashida," Kuro-uzu distinguishes itself from Hayashida's dashi (broth) system by offering a "soy sauce-forward" bowl and a unique Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) ramen as its signature dishes. Its most distinctive feature is the soup made with duck and Daisen chicken, boasting a rich balance of depth, oiliness, and sweetness. This pairs excellently with the thin, straight noodles, creating a smooth slurp and a pleasant, crisp texture. The signature Shoyu Ramen and Special Shoyu Ramen feature a straightforward composition where a robust soy sauce flavor and the umami of chicken soup come together seamlessly, with the soy sauce taking a more prominent role than in Hayashida's offerings. The other main attraction is the Nodoguro Ramen (1050 yen), which boasts a three-layer structure: clear chicken broth (tori chintan) + blackthroat seaperch dashi + blackthroat seaperch oil. This authentic dish involves grilling the heads and central bones of blackthroat seaperch before adding them to the chicken broth, and finishing with blackthroat seaperch oil extracted at low temperatures from the skin, fat, and bone areas, resulting in a refreshing yet profoundly rich flavor. The noodles have a uniquely smooth texture, made from a blend of wheat and tapioca flour. They are complemented by the crisp sweetness of hoshisaki menma (bamboo shoots) and the rich, orange yolk of a maximum egg. The Mazesoba (soupless ramen) typically features a soy sauce-marinated egg yolk in the center, to be mixed with the chewy noodles. It offers a satisfying experience akin to a full-course meal, even including the finishing "Oimeshi" (rice mixed with the remaining sauce). A distinctive feature is also the option to squeeze lemon midway, which instantly transforms the flavor profile in a refreshing direction. The Tsukemen (dipping noodles) features a rich soy sauce-based soup, with slightly softer noodles that are easy to eat, making it an approachable option for international visitors. This restaurant is ideal for those in the Shinjuku-sanchome area who wish to explore a diverse range of soy sauce-based ramen, Nodoguro ramen, and mazesoba.