April 16, 2012

• Tokyo Food Adventures: Menya Musashi Ramen

  

  Seriously, forget Ippudo.

  THIS ramen is what will have you screaming “Oishii!!! Oishii!!” and banging your fists on the table in fervor.

  Not that I did that. But I do think it’s quite an appropriate response seeing just how good this ramen was.

  I’m the type of traveller, who likes to have my s*** together during the trip. Meaning, we must see as much as possible, do as much as possible, eat as much as possible – at the best and most interesting places worthy of our limited time in the country. So I tend to research a lot and plan a rough itinerary or wishlist.

  (To any possible future travel companions, don’t worry I do not go to the extreme of running one of those 6am wake-up-call tours. Hugs  ^.^)

  So anyway, ramen is to Japan like what laksa is to Singapore. Die die must try. I read about Menya Musashi from some online “ramen experts” and decided we have to hunt the place down.

  The most central Tokyo branch is about a 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station. I suggest you print out a map or ask your hotel concierge for help.

  I have a little surprise for you at the end! But first…..

  
  Place your order at an infamous Japanese vending machines.

  When in doubt, just draw on your limited chinese vocabulary to guess. If your chinese sucks, then… guess harder.

  Otherwise,

  1) See what most people press

  2) Ask a waiter/fellow customer. Many have very basic English skills

  3) Use your common sense and pick the big picture ones.

   

  Hint: you can choose the strength of the broth, and the size of the bowl!

  

  Menya Musashi is tiny, and because it’s popular, you will most likely have to wait in line.

  

  Show kitchen: be entertained by the animated kitchen staff giving deep, manly shouts of something in Japanese as they toss the noodles and serve guests.

  The set-up is typical of a quintessential Japanese eatery where it’s eat and go, no time for romancing.

  

  The name Musashi is a reference to the warrior Miyamoto Musashi, famed master of double sword style.

  The decor and wares reference that, enjoy the fun!

  

  

  

  Their ramen is made for eating warriors. Unlike Ippudo, which I have always found to be extremely stingy with the amount of ingredients given their pricing, the serving here was more substantial and more bang for your yen.

  The Original Shōyu (soy-based broth).
  Menya Musashi does not specialize in Tonkotsu (pork bone broth).

  
  I went for the heavier, stronger flavored miso broth.

  

   

  The noodles are bouncy and thick.
  The soup is soooo tasty. Eggs the perfect texture.
  The pork belly is really decadent. Several gigantic chunks, soft and tender after being stewed in sweet Japanese wine and soy sauce for hours.

  
  

  Slurp. I had to ask for more soup!
  

  
  I prefer the miso over the original as I feel it’s more unique and gives more punch. (btw, if you can read Mandarin the words on the bowl make sense)

  Late night music browsing after the great meal

  Now for the surprise.

  Actually, the inspiration (and reminder) for me to start blogging about my gastronomic finds in Tokyo was a newspaper article I read today……

  
  MENYA MUSASHI HAS LANDED IN SINGAPORE!!!!!!!!!!!

  Now that you get to save on airfare, you can afford an extra 3 bowls.

  I wonder if it is as good as the one in Japan. Try and tell me what you think!

   

  Menya Musashi (Singapore)
  

  #01-16 Raffles City Shopping Centre
  252 North Bridge Road
  Singapore 179103
  Tel: +65 6336-6500
  Open daily 11:30am-10pm

   

  Menya Musashi(Tokyo, Japan)

  Location: west exit from Shinjuku Station
  7 other locations in Tokyo
  Hours: 11am – 9:30pm

  • 3:15 pm
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