[RAMEN] Ramen-kai update (from February 19, 2002)

Ramen-kai update -- unwise use of firm network resources

I just went again for the second time (sorry Chris, couldn't find you in the office), and now I'm sure of it. Tamagawa in Meguro is great ramen. Except that if you start eating that thing expecting it to taste like ramen, you'll probably be disappointed. It seems that the broth is a unique mix of various seafoods and vegetables. At the same time, much like my other great favorite Takechan Niboshi Ramen (in Chofu, Jindaiji Moto-machi 5-chome) the soup is not at all stinky. Your basic shoyu broth here is indulgent and rich but the flavors are roundly balanced, without tasting fatty or greasy -- Chris likened it to bouillabaise, and I'm inclined to agree.

The noodles have a good koshi-koshi-sa and are close to what I think is optimal chewiness. Medium thickness. The combination of noodles and soup doesn't exactly glide through the lips, though, if you know what I mean.

Gu: The charsiu is merely okay. But those half-boiled ajitama are unbelievable; they practically have an orange glow around the yolk. Most importantly, the combination of the gu with the broth and the noodles is superior, and no individual flavor or texture seems out of place.

We also gave the sesame broth a try. This thing was extremely tasty, but I could imagine the soup becoming overwhelming over the course of an entire bowl.

Bonus: You can get beer in the ticket machine.

Location: Meguro, follow Gonnosuke-zaka down the slope, past the local Tenka-ippin. Keep following down the right side of the street, crossing to the other side by the pharmacy on the corner. Across the street from Ramen Tora.