Misoichi

Misoichi never disappoints. I used to live near the location in Nakameguro, so I went all the time. I didn't even know there was a Sancha location, but as soon as I found out, I went. It's almost the exact same vibe at both places: quiet despite constant radio and kitchen sounds. I don't know why it feels so calm and relaxed. Maybe it's because the kitchen is so big and there's only one guy working. Whatever makes it work, it's chill. It feels like you wandered into a out-of-the-way locals-only joint in a small village somewhere in the countryside. There are about 12 counter seats. But only about six of us were there around noon. I ordered on the traditional push button kiosk. There's no English or pictures. Well, there's pictures and English on the laminated wall posters, but foreigners will have to have to figure out which buttons correspond with the Kanji. There are closed-circuit tvs over the ticket machine showing the security camera feed from outside. After I ordered thick noodles in "little spicy, paprika style" with chasu and a side of butter, I moved to the rack behind the counter where you drop a coin into a can and serve your own egg, bean sprouts, and/or bamboo shoots. I took them all and paid extra because I only had 100 yen coins. Then I took some iced tea from the self service machine. I refilled the tea three or four times. I don't know how Japanese people eat a whole bowl of ramen with only a tiny little four ounce cup of water or tea, but they do it. I always feel a little weird getting so many refills...oh well. Bottom line: this is great miso ramen. The first time I had Misoichi, I had just come from the US and I thought I didn't like ramen because I had only ever tried dirt-cheap instant noodles and overpriced gimmicky American restaurant style ramen-themed soup. Misoichi changed my mind. And now that I've lived in Tokyo for months, I've tried just about every style and this is still one of my favorites. It's rich and garlicky and loaded with bean sprouts. There's also some cabbage and some wilted greens. It has tons of umami, but it's even better with the butter. This was the first time I got the butter and it won't be the last. Definitely order the butter; you won't regret it. With the light spice, the buttery richness is heaven. It comes with a little bit of corn and I think it's enough, but if you're a corn fanatic go ahead, add more for 100 yen. The chasu here was better than the Nakameguro location. It was a beautiful streaky pork belly that melted in your mouth, but also had a satisfying chew to it. The noodles were thick and firm. It's all served in a beautiful bowl with old fashioned wooden spoons. Do not hesitate to try this place. It's not subtle or fancy, but it is damn good.

- Jordan Shapiro -

I'm not an absolute expert on ramen but I gave this place five stars as it really checked a lot of the boxes for me. When you enter there is an ordering machine where you put in the money and then choose your ramen - thin or thick noodles, level of spice ( colour coded) and topping and flavour choices. It looks like a mom and pop type operation - and the lady who did the serving was extremely kind and helpful. I had a medium chilli ramen with corn and it was delicious. Really generous servings and everything was piping hot. Amazing value. As a foreigner who doesn't speak much Japanese I felt really welcome and there was a great atmosphere. Definitely going back!

- Jodie Aberdeen -

Genuine little ramen joint that's been on the main street here for years. Seems family run and like a local institution. We ate about 2pm Saturday and didn't need to wait. Choose thick or thin noodles. Then lots of variants in spice and toppings. Usual vending machine ticket ordering. Incredibly tasty broth. Great springy noodles. Well go back if we can

- Douglas Aberdeen -