Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan｜Ramenya Shima

Got in line at 9am sharp on a Tuesday. An employee came out just a few minutes later with the signup list. I ended up with the 21st spot, one of six seatings in the 11:05 time slot. Since I was staying in Shinjuku, it was easy enough to go back into town and walk around until it was time. When I returned, I also only waited a few minutes, probably totaling to just around a 10 min wait between the signup line and the arrival wait. I ordered the tokusei shoyu ramen, which has so many differnt toppings I couldn't even see the noodles. It almost seemed borderline excesive, with the ~4 different preparations of chicken and pork along the fatty to lean scale, as well as the two wontons. Due to all the different textures however, it didn't get old and it was a pleasure to cycle between all the toppings while consuming the noodles and soup. The shoyu soup was well balanced - not too heavy due to its chicken base yet still very savory and flavorful with its slight seafood notes as well. The noodles were tasty and cooked to the perfect snappy texture with great hold and harmony with the soup. The egg was nicely soft boiled, no overcooking in the yolk. Overall an amazing medley of flavors and textures that made for an engaging and filling lunch. I definitely would like to return to try the shio and tsukemen.

If U came to Japan and thought ramen was delicious, this is the ramen shop U want to try at the end. There are rules for eating this ramen. Around 9:30 in the morning, the owner prepares a list at the storefront. If U write your name on the list, U will be able to make a reservation for that day. The list is written in order from the top, and the time U can eat is listed, so U will be told to wait in front of the store at that time and buy a meal ticket. I came around 8:30 and wrote my name on the list about 15th, and the time was specified at 11:00. I ordered the special soy sauce ramen. The gorgeous toppings of several kinds of char siu, wontons, and eggs are also wonderful, but the perfection and deep flavor of the soup and noodles set it apart from other ramen. If U try this ramen for the first time in Japan, chances are U will be disappointed with other ramen. By all means, I want U to taste it at the end.

Best shoyu ramen I’ve had (maybe in my life). The broth is delicious, meat is charred and tender, tamago is not over cooked, and wonton has a cool texture and twist to the bowl. Very balanced, deep yet light. Expect a long queue even before it opens, pop by very early if you’d like to try.