This ain’t no Cup Noodle! – Jangara Ramen

It’s been over a month since I came back from Japan but I still catch myself thinking about this place! The official name of this ramen chain is Kyusyu Jangara…but I just refer to it as Jangara Ramen. It is a small joint that is less than a block away from the Harajuku train station. Just exit the station and head down the mainstreet (restaurant will be on your left side). Just pay attention to the pink signs above and head upstairs.

This place is so popular that you may have to stand in line. Don’t worry, it doesn’t take that long and it is certainly worth the wait. The kitchen is small but that is where the magic happens. The aroma just permeates the air.

Jangara Ramen specializes in tonkotsu ramen, which is pig-bone flavored broth that makes the taste that much better. (Not to be confused with tonkatsu – which is breaded pork cutlets).

I recommend the Kyushu Jangara ramen bowl for newcomers. It is their signature dish…so much so that they even advertise the fact that it is the Prime Minister of Japan’s favorite!

Once you get your bowl, you’ll see how packed full of ingredients a “simple” ramen dish can be. Your ramen will include a hard boiled egg, chopped green onions, min taiko (spicy japanese fish eggs), slices of tender pork, seaweed, and some other various japanese vegetables. The broth can be a little greasy (due to the pigbone), but once you get passed that, the flavors are amazing.

If you visit Tokyo, definitely check this place out in Harajuku. Here is their official website: http://www.kyusyujangara.co.jp/menu/. Unfortunately it is only in Japanese at the moment. Hopefully in the future they include an English version as more foreigners find out about this place. Don’t miss it!

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