新華楼 Kumamoto

半チャーハンとラーメン / Han-Chahan to Ramen / Chūka Ryōri Shinkarō — Nakano-Sakaue, Tokyo

Machi Chūka style shoyu ramen comes with doubutsukei soup and noodles by Yamaguchiya (based in Ikebukuro). Topped with pork chashu, menma, negi, nori and naruto. Half size fried rice set with gyoza on the side.

Chūka Ryōri Shinkarō is run by 80-year old master Tadashige Endo-san, who operates the shop along with his wife. Endo-san lost his father in the war when he was young and was raised by his mother and grandfather. After graduating from junior high school in his hometown of Yamagata, he moved to Tokyo to find work and picked up a job at a restaurant named ‘Teito’ in Kichijoji. It was there he learned how to cook, mastering Japanese, Chinese and Western style dishes. Because of this experience, he not only offers Machi Chūka but also some Japanese and Western items. Open in the same location for over 50 years, most of the customers are regulars and many call Endo-san by his first name. The signboard outside (and on the menu) says ‘King of Taste.’ 26 seats. Open since 1969. Less