I had been wanting to visit Iida Shoten for a long time. It was really hard to get a reservation, but I finally made it to this bowl of ramen. To put it simply, "there's a solid reason to wait in line for this ramen."First, the appearance. The clear broth, perfectly arranged noodles, and low-temperature cooked chashu come together beautifully. It's a stunning bowl with no waste at all, instantly raising my expectations.I took a sip of the broth. It was incredibly clear. There were no off-flavors, just pure umami hitting me straight on. The aroma of soy sauce gently spread, followed by the deep flavor of the dashi. It’s not about overpowering strength, but rather a taste that convinces you with its quality.The noodles are supple, creating an extraordinary harmony with the broth. The moment I lifted them, the aroma rose, and as I slurped, they perfectly melded with the broth. These noodles are meant to be enjoyed for their unity rather than just their texture.The chashu is on another level. Visually, it has a rare, beautiful pink color. Once in my mouth, it was moist and tender, with the sweetness of the fat and the umami of the meat spreading gently. It’s so soft that you hardly need to chew, yet it still retains a strong presence of meat.The aroma of green onions, the flavor of nori, and the crunch of menma all play their roles without being overpowering. If even one element falters, the whole balance would collapse; it’s a remarkably intricate harmony.There’s no flashiness. But with every bite, I found myself thinking, "This is delicious…" Honestly, my expectations were quite high. Yet, it exceeded them in a way that made me understand why this place is special. It’s more than just ramen; it’s a completed dish. If I can get a reservation again, I will definitely return.
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