九州じゃんがら - Kyushu Jangara, Ginza

 

ぼんしゃん （豚骨ラーメン）, Bonshan (Tonkotsu Ramen) ￥700

    Strangely,  ramen shops in Japan generally haven't used the marketing technique which is so popular in Japan - that of using a mascot to promote your product. Generally the rustic environment is the preferred setting. However, Jangara ramen is one such place where the tried and true method of having a cute little animal or character represent your store is in full swing... And we're all the better for it. 

    There are a few Jangara stores in Tokyo, and they seem to be around most of the major hubs (Harajuku, Ginza, Akihabara, etc) so they are pretty easy to find. The interior somewhat matches the vibe from the outside with lots of bright colours being used and it could be mistaken for a family restaurant except for the fact that people are more often than not eating alone even though they are sharing a table with strangers. (I was lucky enough to have 3 strangers join me on my table of 4!) This also made life a little difficult when trying to stealth a few photographs.

    I went to the Ginza store which seems to be the least popular of the ones I'm aware of and turnover was quite high as people were, more or less,  in-and-out in less than 15 minutes. One reason for this is that the time spent waiting for your ramen is quite short (just 2 or 3 minutes) and the bowls are actually quite small. Most of us in the store looked a little like this guy once we had started our ramen.

     The Kyushu Jangara bowl is the most popular, but I opted for the #2 Bonshan, which is a little less oily and greasy,  although they are both variations of tonkotsu ramen. I must admit that the Bonshan is pretty solid, but for some reason it reminds a little of "Chicken Noodle Soup"- an instant soup back home in Australia.  I enjoyed the soup a lot more once I had helped myself to some of the crushed garlic on the table.

    Jangara seems to be a pretty popular store amongst Japanese and foreigners alike (Liam Gallagher supposedly dines at the Harajuku branch- Keep an eye out when Beady Eye tour in May) and definitely delivers with a unique atmosphere and a unique taste.

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