11 replies to this topic

[terrarich]

I am going on my first trip to Japan. Unfortunately it is a work trip. I will be in Yokosuka for five days, working on the naval bases. I am hoping to get out in the evenings and avoid eating 'Merican with the sailors and my ex-military travel partner. My understanding is that curry rice originated on the bases so I am looking forward to some hearty bowlfuls.

I did go ahead and schedule to arrive in Tokyo two days earlier so that I can walk around parts of the city. I am staying in Shinjuku on the east side of the train station. Mostly interested in some righteous ramen. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[thelobster]

Tsunahachi Rin tempura restaurant is one of my favorite places in that part of Shinjuku, and since it's a counter, it's quite comfortable eating there by oneself.

And no, Japanese curry dates back many decades before the first American military base in Japan.

[terrarich]

I was not clear. Curry rice originated on the JAPANESE naval bases.

[terrarich]

Thank you very much for the tempura rec. It is very near where I am staying.

[Foodietopo]

The ramen Jiro in Shinjuku is quite an experience. Ramen Jiro packs a punch.
There is also a special ramen underground alley in Tokyo Station which has a bunch of very famous ramen shops.

Japanese curry is indeed very good, I hope you can try a good one.

Enjoy Japan!

Edited by Foodietopo, 25 January 2011 - 03:19 AM.

[Foodietopo]

Just to make your life easier, this is a link which includes maps to the Ramen Jiro in Shinjuku
http://www.ramentoky...ishi-guchi.html

[terrarich]

I greatly appreciate the link. I am looking forward to this experience!

[Foodietopo]

There is a really cool ramen shop own by an American in Tokyo, "Ivan Ramen" which might be the only foreigner owned shop in the whole country.
http://www.ivanramen.com/

He recently opened a second shop, his first shop is a little bit out of the way.

I talked a bit about ramen with Ivan Orkin and he told me that ramen Jiro was a scary experience. Ramen Jiro offers a massive dose of umami according to him, so much that you keep eating despite feeling 100% full, it's like drug.

[terrarich]

I had read about Ivan. His first shop is a long train ride away. Is his second shop already open?

I also read that ramen Jiro was a "he-man" ramen experience. I am planning on trying a couple of places so Jiro will be one. Would you like to join me?

[helenjp]

There was a Jiro ramen right close to my older son's high school...it was definitely a place to go on a dare, rather than for a good eating experience.

I'm almost never in the Shinjuku area, but you might like to take a look in Kabuki-cho (just not too late at night!). Fun, especially if you are with a friend, to poke around the small stalls and bars.

Marusuke Ramen in Shinjuku 3-chomeis standard ramen, should be quite close to where you are...with Shinjuku station at your back, walk along Yasukuni-dori to the big intersection that has two Isetan department store buildings opposite each other on the left sider On the right-hand corner is the Take Eight building, where you will find Marusuke.

[Foodietopo]

Looks like the second shop is open.
From what I can see on the map, it's right next to Kyodo station which is not too far from Shibuya. I will certainly try to visit his new shop on my next visit.
The first shop is not too far, but it's not in central Tokyo. I took the train from Shinjuku to get there.

I had read about Ivan. His first shop is a long train ride away. Is his second shop already open?

I also read that ramen Jiro was a "he-man" ramen experience. I am planning on trying a couple of places so Jiro will be one. Would you like to join me?

[thelobster]

I second the recommendation for Ivan Ramen - it's really good, although a bit out of the way. Here are some more ramen recommendations.