米沢ラーメン愛愛

Yonezawa is a few hundred kilometers north of Tokyo. And, of course, this city has it’s own ramen style.

At least, that is what I was led to understand when I found this place. Despite the chain feel (other shops are located in nearby Otsuka and Ikebukuro), I had high hopes when reading the plaque on the wall proclaiming the wonders of Yonezawa ramen, and the shop’s use of some Yonezawa ingredients.

I went with the standard shoyu ramen, plus a side of fried rice. Like it’s nearby neighbor to the south, Kitakata, it’s a simple bowl.

Simple in all ways. There are some much better shops in the area, like Nishio Ramen, but Ai Ai is open at all hours practically. I guess it has that going for it.

When I asked the chef to explain Yonezawa ramen to me, he grunted and said, “It’s where I’m from.” I continued my interview by asking what Yonezawa local ingredients he uses. “Just the noodles.” It was a short interview.

At least it’s close to the station.

A few days later I was drinking with a friend, a native of Yonezawa, and asked her what is so special about her hometown noodles. Her explanation was a little more eloquent. “When us countryside girls come to the big city, everyone is eating tonkotsu soup; strong-smelling, thick stuff. But back home, we really just love a warm bowl made with our clean mountain water. It’s simple, and good.”

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東京都豊島区駒込1-28-14
Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Komagome 1-28-14
Nearest station: Komagome

Open 11:00-5:00am

Ramen Adventures

Ramen Shop Reviews from Japan and Abroad

愛愛 (Ai Ai in Komagome)

Pour cafe in Ginza

とみ田 (Tomita in Matsudo)

てっぺん (Teppen in Mabashi)

愛愛 (Ai Ai in Komagome)

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Pour cafe in Ginza

とみ田 (Tomita in Matsudo)

てっぺん (Teppen in Mabashi)