大山 (Taizan in Kanda)

大山



Down a busy pedestrian street in the Kanda area of Tokyo, you can expect to find a lot of food. Kanda lies at the edge of the Marounochi area, which means business. Businessmen, offices, and of course food. Simply choosing what to eat after a 14 hour work day can be an adventure. Lucky for me, I've got guidebooks.



Yeah, that sign says they are open from 8 in the morning. It's true, ramen for breakfast is totally cool if you are in a suit. Despite it's location and obvious clientele, Taizan came recommended in my latest ramen guidebook, titled 女子ラーメン... ramen for chicks.



The top billed item is a salt broth topped with fried sakura ebi, cherry blossom shrimp. I've had sakura ebi on a few occasions, and they are wonderful. If you are squemish about eating the whole shrimp, stay away. These guys are so small that there is no other way.



But first, take in the atmosphere. Old baseball memoribilia on all 4 walls.



Here it is. The fried shrimp is excellent. Fried food often tops thicker udon noodle dishes, but seldom ramen. It's good, real good. It adds a very fried flavor to the soup, which I could see being a problem with some people.

Not with me though.



The dark mass on the left is their spice blend. A mix of tumeric, coriander, and garam masala. It's awesome, but a little on the light side. I could have gone with about 3 times the amount to give more of a kick.



Noodles done, you'll be left with a mushy combination of fried batter, tiny shrimps, and soup.



Add rice.



Remember, adding rice once the noodles are gone turns one meal into two.



The place was virtually empty except for Nate and I, and our visitors. Before we left, a lone host, looking fashionable and hungry, slumped into a corner with his cell phone, texting away to god knows who.



And I checked another off my list.

Shop info here