Seimen Rabo
製麺rabo
Overview
"Seimen Labo," located on Honcho 4-13-10 along Honan-dori, is a 6-8 minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Gochome Station on the Toei Oedo Line. Situated very close to the famous "Raamenya Shima" in the western Shinjuku area, it's a hidden gem known to connoisseurs for its exceptionally high-quality noodles, as its name "Seimen" (noodle making) suggests. Its most distinguishing feature is its high-hydration, medium-thin straight noodles, perfected to deliver a delightfully chewy texture and a smooth finish down the throat. The unique menu structure is also noteworthy, featuring three distinct broth pillars based on different dashi (Japanese broth) systems: Chuka Soba (800 yen, light chicken dashi), Shina Soba (800 yen, light fish dashi), and Rich Fish Dashi Ramen (800 yen), each offering a different flavor profile for the same price. Salt Ramen (with an option to change to medium-thick noodles) is also available. The soup is served piping hot, coated with chiyu (chicken oil), designed so that a burst of umami spreads the moment it enters your mouth. The chashu (braised pork) is a soft, soy-marinated type, and the ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg), though served chilled, delightfully changes in temperature and flavor as it absorbs the hot soup, offering a unique experience. The Mini Chashu Don (150 yen) and Yakibuta Don (roasted pork bowl) boast an excellent balance of fragrant seared pork and meltingly tender fat, offering exceptional value when paired with ramen. The tsukemen (dipping noodles) can be chosen in 200g or 500g portions. Its rich fish dashi broth, while having a lighter consistency ("shabashaba-kei"), delivers a powerful punch of umami, perfected so that even the 500g portion can be enjoyed without tiring. The experience is complete with the option to enjoy soup wari (soup dilution) afterwards, making it a popular spot for tsukemen regulars. Characterized by its unique interior atmosphere and concise service style, it's a locally cherished establishment centered around the perfection of its noodles and broth.
How to Order
1Before entering
About 6-8 minutes walk from Nishi-shinjuku-gochome Station (Toei Oedo Line) A2 exit, or immediately after getting off at "Honcho 4-chome" bus stop (Keio Bus "Shin 33" bound for Eifukucho from JR Shinjuku Station). Address: Honcho 4-13-10 (Shibuya-ku Honcho, but mainly accessed from Shinjuku area). Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-14:30 / 17:30-21:30 (L.O. 21:00), Sat-Sun 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:45). Irregular holidays. Located near "Raamen-ya Shima" on Honan-dori Avenue. You can enter without a wait during target hours such as after the lunch peak on Saturdays.
2Ordering and Prepayment
The ticket vending machine at the entrance has been out of order for many years, so it is not used. Upon entering, staff will ask "Have you decided your order?" before you sit down, so it is recommended to decide your order using the menu displayed outside the shop. After ordering, payment is made in cash on a blue cash tray, a unique prepayment flow. Credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments are not accepted. Signature dishes include Chuka Soba (800 yen), Shina Soba (800 yen), Noko Gyodashi Ramen (rich fish broth ramen, 800 yen), Shio Ramen (salt ramen, medium-thick noodles available), Tsukemen (dipping noodles) 200g / 500g, Ajitama (seasoned egg) 100 yen, Mini Chashu Don (mini braised pork bowl) 150 yen, and Yakibuta Don (roasted pork bowl).
3Seating and Receiving
It is a compact shop with only 9 counter seats, and the aisle inside is narrow due to cardboard boxes, etc. If there are vacant seats, you will be guided in order, and water is self-service. Serving time is quick, around 3-5 minutes.
4Other
As the shop name "Seimen" (noodle making) suggests, the noodles are highly refined. The medium-thin straight noodles, made with a high water content, are characterized by their chewy texture and smooth swallow. The menu is structured around three main types of broth: Chuka Soba (light chicken broth), Shina Soba (light fish broth), and Ramen (rich fish broth). The soup, coated with chicken oil and served super hot, spreads umami throughout the mouth. The chashu (braised pork) is a soft type marinated in soy sauce. The ajitama (seasoned egg) is served cold, but its temperature and flavor change in the hot soup, offering a unique enjoyment. The tsukemen (dipping noodles) has a rich, thin fish broth that remains enjoyable even with 500g of noodles, and the soup-wari (broth for diluting leftover dipping soup) is also highly refined. The Mini Chashu Don (150 yen) and Yakibuta Don offer a good balance of fragrant roasted pork and tender fatty meat, and are highly rated for cost-performance.
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Voices
製麺rabo@西新宿五丁目
— タンチー (@tantanchi_) April 2, 2024
2024年55杯目
中華そば+ミニ角煮丼
あっさり目ではあるけどしっかりはっきり味があり、じんわりとかキレというよりジワっとした味。鶏系でこの雰囲気けっこう珍しい印象。
細麺との相性もいいし、角煮丼もミニでもボリュームあるしトータル満足度高い
ご馳走様でした！ pic.twitter.com/V110fl2jgL
製麺rabo@西新宿五丁目
— こう (@kou9417) September 6, 2025
つけそば(あっさり魚出汁)250g &味玉
魚介が利きつつもコク深い清湯つけ汁✨にツルシコ中細ストレート麺がウメェ〜😆角切りチャーシューも旨い😋 pic.twitter.com/GDmSqW7JTA
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | - | - | - | - |
| Weekend | No waitRef. | - | - | - |
* Dashed cells = reference data from past visit examples (replaced once enough reviews arrive)
Dietary Notes
No dietary data yet
This information is based on user reports and is not official information from the shop. Cross-contamination in the cooking environment cannot be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies, please confirm directly with the shop.
Animal-free menu available
Reports received (1)
No MSG
Reports received (1)
Gluten-free menu available
Reports received (1)
Halal options available
Reports received (1)
Dietary information is verified through blind consensus. Reports become public when 3 or more independent users agree.
Ingredients & Allergens
Allergen info coming soon
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