Ramen Biyori

The Japanese-style ramen pairs a Japanese broth with your choice of bonito-flavoured oil or chicken oil. The choice changes the character of the bowl: bonito oil adds another layer of flavour, while chicken oil offers a different finish. It is a welcome option if you want a clean, Japanese-style taste tailored to your preference. One diner who chose the bonito oil noted the savoury depth of the bonito broth and a clean aftertaste. For those keen to try thin noodles with Japanese broth, this is a good place to start. The menu lists it at ¥900.

The ginger ramen with condiments gets a refreshing note from ginger grown in Kochi Prefecture, and also comes with a choice of bonito-flavoured oil or chicken oil. One diner described a bowl with chopped onion, spring onion, kaiware radish sprouts and finely sliced bamboo shoots, enjoying the ginger flavour alongside the varied textures of the garnishes. If ginger-forward flavours appeal, this is one to consider. The dipping noodles, served with noodles and broth separately, are described as rich in soy-sauce flavour yet light to eat despite their intensity; they are priced at ¥1,000. The soy-based Nakano Black mazesoba (¥1,000), with its rich soy-sauce tare and black pepper, offers a different style and way of eating. It is an option for a day when you want something other than broth-based ramen.

Ramen Biyori is in Nakano 5-chome. The listing gives its lunch hours as 11:30 to 15:30, and says it is closed on Tuesdays. One diner mentioned pairing the ramen with rice for ochazuke, a way to enjoy a little more of the soup. Payment is reported to be cash only.