RAMEN 1/20

For the past 10 years or so, in searching of the best ramen noodle shops in Japan have become a hot topic for the generation of millennial foodies. Whether you love the noodles, the toppings or the broth, there is one thing in common-it comes to you in a large bowl about the size of your face for yo...u to slurp into this delicious comfort meal! I have tried various kinds of ramen bowls found in Aomori City, Hokkaido's Hakodate JR Station and Sapporo's Ramen Alley in the last two years. This summer we took a three-weeks journey back to Japan; I tried one ramen shop at Shin-Yokohama's Ramen Museum, which in my opinion isn't where you will find the best quality of ramen. I happened to pick up an official Tokyo Travel Guide at Hamamatsucho JR Station and found an article that mentioned about taking rides on Sakura Tram (previously Toden Tram) and recommended Bib Gourmand Award Ramen 1/20. I mapped out how to find this place, which is located outside of metro Tokyo in Aragawa. It wasn't easy to find, but with helps of a local, also does not speaking English, pointed the directions to find it. We got there, door was down, but not shut completely. I pulled it open, a young man was inside. I asked what time is it opened. he said in simple English "closed for holiday, but will open tomorrow". We determined to come back again, visited it on Friday. We bought meal tickets from a vending machine by the entrance, gave our orders to the same man I saw the day before. Patiently awaiting for our meal, I began to take photos around and the area he works. He stopped me and said only photo your own meal. Since we arrived just after the peak lunch hours we had two spots to sit. It's a small one-man operating shop and bar seats only. I can't image the long line to wait if we come at peak hours. It closed on Monday and Thursday and holidays. The selections of broth and topping are simple but authentic and price is reasonable. Impressively it has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2018 and 2019. They were posted on the side of the wall above the bar counter but not where people can see from outside. It seemed to me the owner is a humble man, even though his ramen had earned him prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand awards for two years in a row. We each ordered different broth-one with salt and another one with soy sauce. He set the timer to cook noodles and they were done just right as Italian would say al dente. Soft-boiled egg seasoned in soy sauce is perfectly done with yolk just set but not running. Toppings are seasoned bamboo shoots and a slice of tender pork loin. A piece of nori, chopped green onion served as garnishments. Ramen 1/20 was listed one of the 21 ramen shops and one of the 249 restaurants that earned Bib Gourmand awards in Tokyo Area. To find this place you need to take Sakura Tram Line and get off at Higashiogu-sanchome stop. From there, go off the ramp and walk toward the tram crossing, cross pedestrian path on your right (if you come from Machiya-ekimae) and then turn left onto a sidewalk, walk straight away from your tram stop. At the end of sidewalk you will see a two-story white brick building with a yellow shop sign above it, on the corner of an alley. The alley post marked as Higashiogu 3-chome. Follow the alley till you see a fire station on your left, turn right to another small street with flag banners hung above your head; walked pass an auto repair shop on your left and one shop later you will find Ramen 1/20. It usually has a bicycle parked in front of it. If you use Tokyo Metro Chiyoda(coded green) Line, get off at C17, Machiya Station. Exit the Metro Station and then take Sakura tram Line at Machiya-ekimae, go direction of Waseda. From there you get off at second stop Higashiogu Sanchome. The Sakura Tram One Day Pass only cost 400 yen, it's the most economical way to ride on Sakura Tram if you wish to explore Aragawa area along the Sakura Tram tracks. Sakura Tram also earned one of the 100 worthy experiences around Tokyo area.

Visited August 2019