Menya Shou (麺屋 翔) Tokyo

熟成赤味噌タンメン / Jukusei Aka Miso Tanmen / Menya Shō Miso Dokoro - Shinjuku, Tokyo

Sapporo inspired miso ramen. Pork based soup is seared in a wok with lard, red miso tare and vegetables. Paired with Sapporo style noodles and finished with grated ginger.

Master Nozomi Ohashi is from Hokkaido, he previously offered Sapporo miso ramen as a Wednesday special down the block at the Menya Sho flagship. This new store specializes in miso ramen, with several variations on the menu. Menya Sho open since 2007, Menya Sho Miso Dokoro since January 1st, 2022. Less

Recommended bowl: Sapporo miso master

Menya Shou is run by Hokkaido native Nozomi Oohashi. For the first few years the shop operated beneath the radar, but then Oohashi-san was featured on a Tokyo TV show that pairs relatively unknown ramen shops with a famous ramen master who can train them and take their shop to the next level. The experience had the desired effect: Today, Menya Shou is considered one of the top shops in the Shinjuku area.

Oohashi-san is best known for his shio ramen, but the shop also serves shoyu ramen and tsukemen. Menya Shou's official recommendation is the kousai tori-dashi ajitama shio ramen. Although the light, chicken-based shio soup is clean and clear, it carries a rich umami undertone.

A Sapporo-style miso ramen is served only on Wednesdays. Oohashi-san is originally from Sapporo, the miso ramen capital of Japan. His version is a picture-perfect take on the classic dish, with curly yellow noodles; piping-hot, creamy, savory miso-based soup; and freshly grated ginger on top. There are three types of miso used in the soup, and Oohashi-san makes minor adjustments to the taste every week. This bowl can compete with any of the top shops in Sapporo, but alas, only available on Wednesdays.
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