Ramen Tsumugi

"Ramen Tsumugi" is a ramen shop quietly nestled in the basement of a multi-tenant building in Kanda-Hirakawacho, just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Akihabara Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. As its name 'Tsumugi' (implying 'wheat') suggests, the entire shop is dedicated to "wheat," with homemade medium-thick straight noodles made from "Sanuki no Yume," the finest domestic wheat, being their specialty. The unique flavor, characterized by the aroma of wheat and a springy, chewy texture, is sometimes described as "between udon and ramen," achieving a perfection where the robust power of wheat can be felt from the noodles alone. The soup is a simple shoyu (soy sauce) flavor, with a careful animal-based dashi (broth) made from whole chicken and pork, enhanced with lard, and layered with the aroma of fish, offering a moderate saltiness. It's gently prepared so you can enjoy it to the last drop. The main menu features three pillars: Ramen (1200 yen), Chuka Soba (Chinese-style noodles, a classic ramen type), and their signature "Tsumugi Ramen" (a slightly unique variation with chili oil and sesame oil). On the side, there's "Waraji Katsudon" (pork cutlet bowl) available as a set, prepared with a crispy, bread-like coating that highlights the umami of wheat. Ordering it as a set with ramen is popular. The interior is a cozy space with a total of 12 seats: 7 counter seats, two 2-person tables, and one 1-person table, leaving a lasting impression with the proprietress's attentive service and the overall warm atmosphere of the shop. The location is in the basement, and the entrance can be a little hard to find, but you can easily reach it by looking for the lottery ticket booth and the "Ramen" and "Waraji Katsudon" flags. A warm "wheat" shop that evokes a sense of nostalgia in the ever-evolving city of Akihabara.