Dinner at Iida Shouten

Dinner at Iida Shouten

at Iida Shouten on 7 August 2026
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The nearest station is JR Tokaido Line, Yugawara Station, which is a 12-minute walk away.This restaurant is known for being reservation only, with slots filling up immediately after they are released. I was fortunate enough to secure a reservation, so I visited on a weekday afternoon. I arrived a bit early, purchased my meal tickets from the vending machine, and waited at the restaurant until my designated time. The sun was quite strong, making it a bit uncomfortable to wait outside.This time, I ordered:- Shio Ramen (JPY 2,100)- Soy Sauce Chashu Ramen with Wontons (JPY 3,000)After a slight delay, I was called in according to the reservation order.The interior features a spacious layout with 10 counter seats and 2 tables, creating a quiet and refined atmosphere reminiscent of a high-end sushi restaurant. I watched the owner’s meticulous and swift movements while waiting. Due to its location and reservation system, it seemed that most customers were ordering multiple dishes, with some even going for three courses along with rice bowls, which was quite impressive.Within about five minutes, the shio ramen was served.- Shio RamenThe saltiness is well-defined, with the umami of the broth taking center stage. The soup has a rich depth from the meat combined with layers of seafood flavor, and the salt seasoning, free from additives, enhances the experience, making it a bowl you can drink to the last drop.The noodles are homemade, thin, and straight. They are supple and easy to slurp, blending well with the soup.Toppings include chashu (Hitachi no Kagayaki), white negi, and menma. The chashu is finely textured and tender, with a refined sweetness in the fat that pairs well with the noodles. While it may not be flashy, the attention to detail shines through in this bowl.After finishing, I was impressed by the thoroughness of exchanging the tray with the bowl, chopsticks, and spoon all at once.- Soy Sauce Chashu Ramen with WontonsThe sharpness and rich aroma of the soy sauce are followed by the deep umami of the jidori chicken and the sweetness of chicken oil. This broth is more robust than the shio, with a luxurious flavor that incorporates the essence of premium meat.The noodles are the same silky, straight, homemade type as the shio ramen.Toppings include two types of chashu (Hitachi no Kagayaki and TOKYO X), two types of wontons (black pork and jidori), menma, nori, and negi. The wontons have thin, smooth skins, and the meat flavor is prominent. The chashu melts beautifully, with a strong meat flavor that I really enjoyed.Before I knew it, I had finished my meal in no time, leaving the restaurant in under 20 minutes even with multiple dishes.Honestly, I thought the high ratings were due to the location and difficulty in making reservations, but that was not the case at all. I had a delightful time enjoying a bowl that showcased the craftsmanship of meticulous work.It was a great meal!

9 / 10