Just a few minutes’ walk from JR Asagaya Station lies Asagaya, a renowned ramen shop serving authentic Yokohama-style iekei ramen. Helmed by a seasoned chef with over 30 years of experience in Yokohama, this restaurant prides itself on delivering a perfectly balanced bowl with no compromise on quality. Now with extended hours until 1:00 AM, it’s the perfect spot for a late-night ramen fix. Here’s a firsthand account of my indulgence in their much-talked-about Special Ramen!
My Experience: Special Ramen Satisfaction
Ordering at Asagaya is a breeze thanks to their modern ticket vending machine, which even supports electronic payments. While it’s convenient, first-timers or those unfamiliar with the system might feel a little rushed, especially when others take their time navigating the machine. After ordering, I found myself in a cozy, counter-seating setup filled with the enticing aroma of pork broth—a true ramen haven. Despite the compact seating arrangement, the casual and welcoming vibe makes it a suitable spot for solo female diners as well.
My Order
I chose the Special Ramen (¥1,250) with an extra topping of three slices of chashu (¥250). I customized my bowl with firm noodles and a rich broth—the ideal combo for any iekei ramen enthusiast! Here’s what’s included in the Special Ramen:
- 8 sheets of nori
- 2 slices of chashu
- 1 seasoned soft-boiled egg
- Fresh green onions and spinach
The additional chashu made this bowl even more indulgent!
The Taste Highlights
- Broth: Rich yet refreshingly light, the soy sauce-based broth is made by simmering pork bones for hours and enriched with premium chicken oil. It’s a flavor powerhouse that will impress any iekei ramen fan.
- Noodles: Made by the legendary Sakai Seimen, the medium-thick, straight noodles boast a delightful chewy texture and perfectly absorb the broth’s flavors.
- Chashu: Juicy and tender, the chashu slices melted in my mouth. Adding three extra slices felt like a luxurious treat and was worth every yen!
- Other Toppings: The creamy soft-boiled egg, fresh spinach, and green onions complemented the broth beautifully. Combined with the crispy nori, each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors.
For those who love a bit of variety, a range of condiments like garlic and spices are available for tweaking the flavor to your liking.
Store Information
- Name: Yokohama Ramen Asagaya
- Type: Ramen
- Address: 1-26-5 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2–3 minutes’ walk from JR Asagaya Station
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Reservation: Not available
- Links: Homepage | Twitter | Instagram
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a devoted fan of iekei ramen or trying it for the first time, Asagaya delivers an unforgettable experience. The generous toppings, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles come together to create a bowl that’s hard to beat.
If you’re in the Asagaya area and craving ramen late at night, look no further than Asagaya. Customize your Special Ramen to suit your preferences and enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
