Ramen Takanome Kamata

Ramen Takanome Kamata Store is a Jiro-inspired (a ramen style known for large portions, rich broth, and specific toppings) shop that opened in April 2019, a 3-minute walk from JR Kamata Station South Exit, behind the Yuzawaya Main Store. The main branch, established in 2015 in front of Dokkyo University in Saitama, is a popular establishment, and the Kamata store is its second branch. The chain currently operates 9 stores (Kawaguchi, Omiya, Kita-Senju, Meidai-mae, Nishi-Sugamo, Toyocho, Ekoda, Kamata) and boasts a lineage as a sister store to "Senrigan," a famous Jiro-kei (Jiro-style ramen) shop established in 2009 in Komaba, Meguro-ku. Signature items include Ramen Small for 1100 yen (300g) and Mazesoba (mazesoba, soupless ramen) Small for 1130 yen. The noodles are house-made, extra-thick flat noodles with a chewy, robust "washi-washi" texture. You can choose from Mini 200g, Small 300g, or Large 400g (+100 yen) portions. The soup is an emulsified (nyuka-kei) sweet and rich broth, characterized by its mild and easy-to-drink finish for a Jiro-kei, achieving a balance often praised as an approachable entry point to Jiro-style ramen. It has a thick richness without being overly heavy, and the sweetness of the extra-thick noodles and abura (pork back fat), along with the spicy kick of karaage (spicy fried tempura bits), brings the overall flavor into sharp focus. The chashu (braised pork) is a thick-cut, melt-in-your-mouth "Kami-buta" (Kami-buta, literally "God Pork," a term of praise for exceptional chashu) that requires no chewing and dissolves in your mouth, a signature-level texture. The greatest distinguishing feature is the complimentary toppings of Karaage (karaage, spicy fried tempura bits) and Gari-mayo (gari-mayo, garlic mayonnaise), which are traditions passed down from Senrigan. These are unique elements not often found in many Jiro-inspired shops, where the spicy kick of karaage and the rich flavor of gari-mayo create layers of umami with the Jiro-kei essence. Monthly limited menus are a highlight, such as April's Mentaiko Butter (butter + mentaiko + perilla leaf + lemon + nori, like a Japanese-style mentaiko pasta), March's Carbonara (an adventurous take with grated cheese + pizza sauce), TKM (Tamago Kake Men / egg over noodles), and various tomato-based options, all designed to keep regular customers excited. The Jiro-style verbal "kōtō call" (kōtō call, for verbal ordering of toppings like yasai/vegetables, ninniku/garlic, abura/pork back fat, karaage/spicy tempura bits, gari-mayo/garlic mayonnaise) is used: simply tell the staff your preference when they confirm your order just before serving. You can adjust quantities with "mashi" (extra), "mashi-mashi" (double extra), "choi-mashi" (a little extra), "sukuname" (less), or "nashi" (none). For limited menus, additional calls for toppings like perilla leaf or lemon may be available, and gari-mayo can be served on a separate plate. Table condiments like pepper, vinegar, chili pepper, and pizza sauce (during limited menus) are available to enjoy flavor changes (ajiken). Sometimes, a quail egg is offered as a follower service, demonstrating their commitment to repeat customers. Open from 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-23:00, it's also a convenient option for late-night dining.