Friday, July 8, 2011

屯ちん - Tonchin, Ikebukuro


東京豚骨ラーメン - Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, ¥650

    Part of living and travelling in Japan is eating the local food that originated in that area when you're passing through. A trip to Osaka can't be made without sampling either okonomiyaki or takoyaki, or both. Therefore a ramen nerd making their way to Tokyo must indulge in a bowl of Tokyo style ramen. And a perfect place to try it is at Tonchin in Ikebukuro which prides itself on this with 'Tokyo Tonkotu Ramen' adorning just about everything - including the lightbulbs!


   There are a few of these around Tokyo (naturally) and if you want to continue with the authentic experience this store in Ikebukuro is the the honten, the original store. Even though I'm sure this lad isn't the creator, the hontens are usually much more popular than others bearing the same name.


    Arriving slightly before midday to avoid the lunchtime rush everything was ready to go.


     And the lunchtime crowd started to wander in just as my bowl arrived.


   Defining Tokyo ramen is quite a difficult proposition as there are so many different varieties that have been available in Tokyo for such a long time. However, I'm led to believe the most common feature is curly noodles. Tonchin has these ( 3 different amounts all for the same price) and your regular ramen ingredients. The soup here is also a very rich flavour with a fair amount of floating abura that will have slurping until you empty the bowl.




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