Chuka soba｜Chuka soba Ibuki｜Ramen

“Chuka soba Ibuki”, located in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, is known as a very famous restaurant for its niboshi ramen (dried sardine ramen). I visited the restaurant this time to taste its highly acclaimed “Chuka soba” (Ramen). Although a long wait is expected, the restaurant’s niboshi ramen (dried sardine ramen) is superb.

Perfect noodle and topping balance

The first thing that catches the eye is the rich, thick soup. The aroma of niboshi (dried sardines) is strong, and the flavor of niboshi (dried sardine) fills your mouth as you take a sip. The soup also has a slight bitterness to it, but this accentuates the taste for those who love dried sardines.
Just as delicious as the soup are the medium-thin, straight, low-moisture noodles. The noodles are characterized by their crispy texture and are a perfect match with the soup. The umami of the dried sardines is firmly intertwined with the noodle, and you can enjoy the harmony in your mouth with each bite. The toppings used are large pieces of pork cubes-style char siu pork, onions, and seaweed, each of which serves to complement the soup and noodles.
The char siu pork, in particular, is cooked at a low temperature, making it tender and well seasoned. It is so delicious that it can be enjoyed as a snack on its own. The sweetness of the onions balances the salty flavor of the soup, and the seaweed’s seashore flavor enhances the overall flavor.

Most people order “Aedama”.

In addition to ramen, “Chuka soba Ibuki” also serves excellent “Aedama”. It is seasoned with sauce and spiced oil and topped with onions and chicken meat. “Aedama” can be eaten as is, dipped in leftover soup to make tsukemen-style (dipping noodle-style) noodles, or topped with “Aedama Vinegar” for a refreshing taste.

【 UMAMECCA Editor’s voice 】

“Chuka soba” (Ramen） at “Chuka soba Ibuki” is the ultimate combination of the concentrated flavor of niboshi (dried sardines), the low-pasteurized medium-fine noodles that are perfectly mixed with the soup, and the special toppings. If you like niboshi ramen, you must visit this famous restaurant at least once. If you are ever in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward, be sure to visit “Chuka soba Ibuki” and enjoy the taste. You will be enthralled by its deliciousness.