Ever since I visited Japan a couple of years ago, I’ve been on the hunt for the best ramen I can find this side of the Pacific. Sure, I’ve had good ramen in the Bay Area, but nothing like what I tasted on the streets of Shinjuku. I’ve been looking for that sweet spot: chewy noodles, salty but not overpowering broth, and no skimping on the toppings.
I finally found it at Tanpopo in Japantown. A colleague suggested it to me and on a rainy afternoon, we headed over for lunch. She recommended the kyushu ramen, which I ordered.
Kyushu ramen (named after Japan’s southernmost island) is a specialty at Tanpopo: a cloudy, rich broth called tonkotsu, served with egg noodles, boiled bean sprouts, red ginger, chashu pork, bamboo shoots, boiled egg, fishcake, seaweed, and green onions. Whew. My only complaint is that the egg wasn’t soft, but then again, this was one of the few times I’ve finished my entire bowl of ramen.
Tanpopo is nearly always busy, so plan accordingly, especially since Japantown can be a bit out of the way and service at Tanpopo can be brusque. I can’t speak to their other styles of ramen, but the kyushu ramen alone is worth the trek.
I love, love ramen and Japanese food in general.
Do you know if there a particular way to serve ramen? I was in Japan about a month ago (just long enough to hunt down for a bowl ramen) and all the ingredients were bunch up together. The beef was separated from the bean sprouts, separated from the corn, separated from the seaweed, etc, etc. I’ve had tons of ramen but I never noticed anyone ever doing this. Also, the bowl was so humongous I had no choice but to concede defeat.
I didn’t realize you were in Japan too! Lucky.
I have no idea if there’s a particular way to serve ramen, but now that you mention it, maybe there is. Perhaps it’s a regional thing? Also, your ramen had beef in it? I’ve never had that as a topping; now I’m curious to try it.
Yes, it had beef and it was so soft and delicious. What really surprised me was the corn. And I think the intended effect was more visual than anything.