Chukasoba Ranchu

Welcome a blast to the past with open arms at Chukasoba Ranchu, a ramen-ya that's a healthy 10-minute walk from Honancho Station. The lack of the typical ordering vending machines and quaint interior decor is refreshing, to say the least. In some other ways, this ramen shop is unlike any other. For starters, there's only one item on the menu: chuka soba. Fair enough, other options like ajitama soba (soba with egg), oomori soba (soba with additional noodles), and otsumami (pork chashu) are available, but they're either just a rendition of the main chuka soba or an appetizer to go along with it. Every bowl of soba is made to order — none is prepared prior to the guest's say-so. As soon as an order is placed, the chef warms up the broth and whips out a bowl for the noodles. The soup is a delicately-simmered Niboshi broth that is infused with a pinch of salt, soy sauce tare and a blend of various vegetables that conveniently cancels out the fishy aftertaste. There's a pleasant smoky aroma with every slurp of the broth. The final touch — bamboo shoots placed at the side of the bowl — completes the presentation of the chuka soba. In every last detail of the meal, from the appetizers to the refreshing beer afterwards, Chukasoba Ranchu nails the art of casual ramen.