Shinchan Ramen

"Shin-chan Ramen," located in an alley at Shinjuku 4-2-7, just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's Southeast Exit, is a quintessential establishment for chan-kei ramen (a style originating in Koenji) which is gaining popularity in Shinjuku. Open 24 hours, it's a go-to spot for those craving ramen late at night or in the early morning. Its most distinctive feature is the clear butachintan (clear pork broth) soy sauce soup generously poured to the brim, embodying the chan-kei signature trio: "naminami soup" (overflowing soup), "mochi-mochi hirauchi men" (chewy flat noodles), and "tappuri chashu" (generous slices of chashu pork). The soup offers a well-balanced saltiness and a mild flavor with just the right amount of oil, making it easy to enjoy as a late-night shime (meal to conclude the day) or an asa ramen (morning ramen). The noodles are thin and flat, with a chewy texture characteristic of high-hydration (takasui-kei) noodles, and a pleasant, smooth slurp. In addition to the signature Chuka Soba for 950 yen, the menu features a wide range of options including Chashu-men (ramen with extra chashu) for 1250 yen, Chashu-men with green onion topping for 1350 yen, Karami Chuka (spicy ramen, with adjustable chili pepper level), Mori Chuka (tsukemen, dipping noodles), and a half-portion noodle option. The chashu pork is primarily lean, tender, and served freshly sliced and warm, ensuring high satisfaction even with the standard portion of 6-7 slices. Free rice is available, and a classic chan-kei way to enjoy it is by combining it with the table condiments such as kappa (pickled cucumber), chopped garlic, vinegar, and spicy miso, then topping the rice with chashu and other ingredients, and pouring soup over it ochazuke-style. The staff is predominantly international, and the acceptance of various credit cards, e-money, and QR payments makes it easily accessible for international tourists. Near Shinjuku Station, it is known as a popular chan-kei option alongside Ecchan, Kumachan, and Nagichan.