Three thick noodle shops in Asakusa that I, a local staff member, have been visiting for 10 years

<NOTE> The rates  stated in this article may change according to conditions.

‘Are you looking for a ramen shop in Asakusa?’

 

Hello. I’m Nabe, a staff member at K’s House Tokyo Oasis. Where should I go for good ramen in Asakusa? I’m sure you’re all reading this article with this in mind. So this time, I, who have been working in Asakusa for more than 10 years, would like to introduce three ramen shops (thick noodles) in Asakusa that I have been going to for a long time.

 

To be honest, I myself am not a ramen connoisseur, but I think I can attest to the certain quality of the shops introduced here for the following three reasons.

 

(1) I have been in Asakusa for more than 10 years and I never get tired of going there and I still think it is delicious.

 

(2) All the shops have been in business for more than 10 years.

 

(3) All the shops are located out of the centre and do not necessarily benefit from tourists.

 

My preferences are (1) thicker noodles rather than thin noodles, (2) more filling than light, and (3) a budget of up to 700 yen. If you are of a similar type, I am sure you will like it.

 

Let’s go!

 

 

Menya Bunsuke

The appeal of Menya Bunsuke’s restaurant, tucked away at the intersection of Edo and Kototoi street, is its thick, satisfying noodles and the amount of noodles it serves! Inspired by Ramen Jiro, this full-bodied bowl of noodles is a must for lovers of thick, fatty back-flavoured noodles. The fact that you can order the amount of vegetables (bean sprouts), garlic and back fat is also a nice touch (if you add them too much, you’ll be in big trouble). Moreover, aji-tama (seasoned eggs) are included free of charge at lunchtime, so it is recommended for those times when you just want a big hearty meal.

 

 

The noodles are thick and straight with a smooth texture, and the flavours range from the standard soy sauce, miso and salt to unique ones such as curry tsukemen and yankee ramen. The restaurant can accommodate six to seven people, so during peak lunchtime there are people waiting outside. So it might be better to go a little later in the day. By the way, I always order miso ramen. If you like it salty, I recommend soy sauce ramen.

 

 

 

Hustle Ramen Homma Asakusa

Hustle Ramen Homma is located at the intersection of Umamichi and Kototoi Dori and is the restaurant I go to the most among those introduced here. The reason why…? Partly because it’s the closest to my workplace, but also because the taste is to my liking and the prices are reasonable.

 

I always order the Hustle Ramen, which is pork bone soy sauce with fatty back bone, and the thick, slightly hard, curly noodles are well mixed with the soup. The price is a very reasonable 620 yen in this day and age. There are also salt, miso and tsukemen on the menu, so be sure to give it a try.

 

For me, when I think “I’m going to eat ramen for lunch”, the first thing I think of is Homma’s. Anyway, I think it’s a place where you can get good thick noodles at this price, in a good way and without any problems.

 

 

Ramen Benkei Asakusa

Ramen Benkei is a long-established restaurant in Asakusa, located on the Asakusa side of the street, a little bit from the intersection of Edo and Kototoi street. Ramen Benkei is characterised by the amount of oil it contains! The ramen with so much back fat that the surface of the soup turns completely white is the perfect dish for those times when you feel guilty but want to devour a thick ramen covered in oil. Free rice is offered at lunchtime, and the restaurant is often busy by students who eat a lot.

 

The restaurant is relatively spacious and has upstairs seating, so I often go there when I have an uncontrollable craving for ramen with a lot of oil, or when other restaurants are crowded.

 

 

How did you like it? If your tastes are similar to mine, please visit the shops I have introduced here. I look forward to seeing you in Asakusa.