神名備

I can say that, as of this writing, that I have been to Kamunabi with the intent of eating ramen 6 times. I can also say that I have only eaten there once. Even this time, a hand scrawled sign apologized, “We will be opening 15 minutes late today.”

Needless to say I waited the extra time.

The vibe here is very friendly. When I ordered the shoyu ramen with extra pork, she asked me if I would rather have shio, as it is a little easier to eat. I shrugged it off and stuck with the shoyu. By the way, the ramen with extra pork is pricey, at 1200 yen. A regular bowl comes in at 800 yen.

Don’t touch!

Here is what came out. Honestly, I was a bit worried at all that pork. And it looks a little dry, don’t you think? Eating a mass of dried out chashu is not a fun task.

That ends the negative speculation of this bowl. Turns out the dry appearance was because this flavorful meat is almost like a sponge, soaking up the dark amber soup. It’s really good. Suddenly I could understand why this shop consistently runs out before the day is through. The first taste of soup is remarkably refreshing and light. Vegetable flavors come through in abundance. Then you go onto the meat, tender and juicy if you have pushed it into the broth. And by the time you are at the end, that light taste is back.

Other homemade menu items, like the seasonal onigiri (matsutake mushroom for October) and a couple kinds of puddings were enticing, but the 1200 yen is a bit dear. If you are a fan of chashu in your ramen, live a little, this place is up there.

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東京都文京区千駄木4-21-3
Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Sendagi 4-21-3
Closest station: Nishi-Nippori

Open 11:30-15:30
Weekends 12:00-15:00, 18:00-21:00
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Ramen Adventures

神名備 (Kamunabi in Nishi-Nippori)

??? Bar in Kabukicho

蘭鋳 (Ranchu in Honancho)

神名備 (Kamunabi in Nishi-Nippori)

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??? Bar in Kabukicho

蘭鋳 (Ranchu in Honancho)