I don't visit Takadanobaba that often, despite it being one of Tokyo's more famous ramen battle zones.
Well, I got a TV gig, and the topic was Takadanobaba ramen ranking. They gave me a list of 60 shops to comment on. No I didn't hit all of them, but made it a point to seek out a few top contenders I had yet to slurp.
Sanpoichi is as light as light chicken ramen can get. A clear broth with hints of umami. Very refined. Noodles made in house really stand out. Firm and wheaty.
The homemade rayu hot oil was a nice addition, but be careful, it can overpower the subtle umami of this one.
Crushed it! These are the perfect bowls for cold days. To me, it feels like mom's chicken soup kicked up with something extra.
I enjoyed this one, but it didn't make the TV show's Top 7, which were the only ones to make it on air. They said they interviewed 1000 people to make the list.
For your info, here it is. Do you agree?
- やまぐち - Yamaguchi
- 渡なべ - Watanabe
- 焼麺 劔 - Tsurugi
- 蔭山 - Kageyama
- 俺の空 - Orenosora
- 表裏 - Hyori
- 鷹流 - Takaryu
Apparently this famous person came for a bowl at Sanpoichi as well.
東京都新宿区高田馬場2-14-9
Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Takadanobaba 2-14-9
Closest station: Takadanobaba
Open 11:00-15:00, 18:00-23:30
