Located in Bunkyo ward and not far from Tokyo Dome is a 2019 Michelin Star rated ramen restaurant, Chukasoba Nishino.
Let me first say that this restaurant was on my bucket list, after reading so much about it.
Chuka Soba Nishino is the second brand of the famous Ramen Koike in Kamikitazawa, Setagaya (also, Michelin Star rated) but are very much different from each other.
But before I discuss the restaurant, first, let’s talk about getting to Chukasoba Nishino.
The nearest station is Hongo-Sanchome Station and looking at Google Maps, Chukasoba Nishino is nearby. Just a few minutes to get there! Know that in advance! Because I didn’t look at my notes and depended on Google Maps to get me there.
Somewhere along the way, Google Maps just went crazy on me. Chukasoba Nishino was just minutes away but somehow, Google Maps was telling me to go a different way. Go straight this way and each time, the map would say I was there. But it wasn’t there.
This was one of the few times I saw Google Maps really let me down.
Instead of being a few minutes away, I was now walking about half hour or more going back and forth as Google Maps kept me going to wrong areas. Fortunately, a cool police officer from Motofuji Police Station helped me find the location.
And once I got there, as I was expecting… a line!
Let me first emphasize that for most ramen shops in Japan that are recognized, a line is common to see and common to wait. The good news is ramen shops are not a place for people to talk with friends. It’s to eat and leave.
So, the wait in line is not long.
Once you get inside, go ahead and pay via the machine.
It’s important to note that there are no English instructions. But I will do my best to explain things to you.
The sign on top is their popular side dishes, the Mayo Chashu (grilled/fried pork meat) for Y200 and their Wonton.
On the first row, Chuka Soba (Chinese-style noodles) is Y800, the next two is if you want a bit more (if you are hungry) and the next after that is adding the shrimp wonton and the last is Chukasoba with their Mayo Chashu.
On the second row , is Sansho Soba (made of buckwheat, broth has sansho oil and also has a pepper-taste to the broth) and similar to Chuka Soba, you can get more or add wonton and if you want the mayo chasu at the end.
ガッツリ記事にして頂きました🙇♂️ありがとうございます‼️開店直後の取材でしたので、痩せこけてます…今は少しふっくらしました(何の話？
是非ご覧ください🍜🍜🍜https://t.co/gaMHo7JhiH— 中華蕎麦にし乃 (@nishino_hongo3) June 4, 2019
Both are very different from each other and you’ll find people saying one is better than the other.
The third row is if you want to order wonton separately (or if you forgot to get it the first time).
I ordered the Chuka Soba and Mayo Chashu.
If you are thirsty, there is self-serve water behind your seat near the counter but the machine allows one to order beer if you want.
The wait is not long to get your food. If anything, I was just excited to finally eat at the restaurant.
The mayo chashu was absolutely delicious. While it’s a small bowl, it’s a worth side dish to eat before or after your ramen.
And as for the delicious Chuka Soba, they utilized a fish-based, bonito broth with a hint of niboshi and shoyu. Included with the normal Chuka Soba is their pork char siu, a naruto fish cake and komatsuna mustard leaves.
The Chuka Soba was delicious but it’s the flavor of the broth that inspires this dish.
Personally, I found the Chuka Soba to be absolutely delicious and I know, I will definitely need to return back to Chukasoba Nishino primarily for the Sansho Soba.
So, if you happen to be near Tokyo Dome or Tokyo University and in the Bunkyo ward area and are a ramenhead, then definitely give Chukasoba Nishino a try! It’s highly recommended!
