純連

Have I been here before? Junren is probably the most famous Sapporo-style ramen shop in Japan. The Tokyo branch in Takadanobaba is definitely popular, so why don’t I remember eating here? Even the interior gave off a deja-vu vibe for me.

Certainly enough of the ramen elite have been here. The shop has been a mainstay for years, a bit of the north all the way down here in Tokyo.

But I just don’t remember. And after this bowl at lunch today, I have a feeling that once again, the memory will disappear. The first sip is good, but after that, I struggled with the second one. The little flavors, the hint of sweetness and ginger, it’s gone in a second and replaced by a simple struggle to eat.

I could swear I remember eating here, and I could swear enjoying it. Maybe I read it on someone else’s blog.

I remember more about what I drank last night than the bowl I just ate.

Though that was one of the best makoris I’ve had in Japan. I can taste it now, the milky-white drink, foaming up with live cultures. Amazing.

Turns out I did sample the ramen of Junren in the past. I guess I went to the Tachikawa branch, and labeled it as Jyunren, almost 4 years ago. Yeah, I forgot.

Please note that this shop has since closed, so you’ll have to search for another branch of Junren if you want some of their miso ramen.

Ramen Adventures

Ramen Shop Reviews from Japan and Abroad

純連 (Junren in Takadanobaba)

風来居 (Furaikyo in Shinjuku)

69’N’ ROLL ONE in Machida

東池袋大勝軒 (Taishoken in Higashi-Ikebukuro)

純連 (Junren in Takadanobaba)

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風来居 (Furaikyo in Shinjuku)

69’N’ ROLL ONE in Machida

東池袋大勝軒 (Taishoken in Higashi-Ikebukuro)