らーめん 改 (Kai in Kuramae)

らーめん 改



There are many mini trends in the Tokyo ramen world, and this year one of those is clams. Sure, long-standing favorites Hototogisu and Mugitooribu have incorporated a clam broth into their soup, and newer Sora as well, but there are more.

Clams give a wonderful umami aftertaste, and whether you go full on shellfish, or just use it as an accent, this is a trend I am behind.



Kai serves a few bowls, but the one that put the new shop on the map is their clam salt ramen - 貝塩らーめん.



The master takes Japanese little neck clams (アサリ) as a base, and adds mussels (ムール貝) and scallops (ホタテ) as an accent. This triple shellfish broth is enough to send anyone with an allergy straight to the emergency room.



Topped with simple, legit toppings, Kai is one to watch.



I noticed on the side of the ticket machine, they have many, many limited bowls. Clam Chowder Ramen? Yes, please!



This was for one of my ramen tours, and everyone came away a winner.



For those who follow my site, be aware that this is a new shop that hasn't blown up yet, so the line is only set to get longer. Enjoy.

東京都台東区蔵前4-20-10
Tokyo, Taito-ku, Kuramae 4-20-12
5 minute walk from Kuramae Station

Open 11:00-15:00, 17:30-21:00
Closed Mondays

進化 (Shinka in Machida)

町田汁場 しおらーめん進化 町田駅前店



Shinka is one of Machida's most revered shops. But, for some reason, when they opened a second shop, they did so only about one kilometer away. Hunh?



Well, this newer one is technically closer to the station, so I guess that is cool.



Same great chicken ramen flavored with a Japanese salt blend. Very high quality.

Shinka is very popular among ramen chefs. If you want to know where ramen chefs eat ramen, Shinka is on that list.



Upon further inspection, they have a 淡口醤油 - light soy sauce ramen - that is only at this branch. I may have to come back for that some day, even though this is one of Tokyo's best shio bowls.



Expect a short line up the stairs to the second floor shop.

東京都町田市森野1-12-13
Tokyo, Machida-shi, Morino 1-12-13
Closest station: Machida

Open 11:00-15:00, 17:30-22:00

おやじ (Oyaji in Sagamihara)

ラーメンおやじ 本店



Oyaji in Machida is one of the best miso ramen shops in town. But, actually, the Machida branch is just that, a branch. I finally, about six years later, made it to their main shop.



The menu has a few options, but you should go for the おやじ麺 - oyajimen - on your first time.  Or go spicy. Or special if you want all the toppings.



As with most ramen shops, the upper left button on the ticket machine is the winner.



So good. The miso is blended with lard to give it a creamy, rich aspect. Simple toppings to match the complex soup.



They make their original miso blend onsite, and if you are lucky enough you can catch them doing it.



The sign says "Feel free to take photos of us making the miso." Unfortunately, they weren't doing it when I was there.



I didn't sense a difference from their Machida shop, which might be more convenient.

神奈川県相模原市中央区中央1-3-1
Kanagawa-ken, Sagamihara-shi, Chuo-ku, Chuo 1-3-1
Closest station: Sagamihara

Open 10:30-1:00am