Adventure #191: Suzuran Ramen すずらん (Tokyo)

Arrived in Tokyo late last night. Hungry upon arrival but most things were closed. Fortunately we stumbled upon a quaint noodle cart outside Suidobashi train station (cannot imagine going to bed with a hungry G). Great atmosphere but pretty average noodles. Regardless, the hunger and ambiance overcame its mediocrity and tasted wonderful neverthless. 

The next day we went in search for some real Japanese ramen. G’s sister recommended Suzuran Ramen. So on our way to our destination for the day, Daikanyama, we stopped by Shibuya to look for this ramen shop.

We were told that there is usually a long queue for the ramen. Luckily, it was a Saturday morning and we got there just before opening time (11.30am). We were the first customers!

The owner came out personally to take our order. Suzuran specialises in tsuke-men (dipping noodles), i.e. noodles and meat served separately from the sauce. We had to try their signature dishes.

We ordered one of its famous dishes, Kagoshima style pork belly (buta kakuni), tsuke-men style of course.

We also ordered what looked like a seasonal dish, tomato soup noodle.

The restaurant is small, at most 10-12 counter seats only. Everything was made fresh right in front of us (except the noodles of course). The homemade noodles, whether it was the flat noodle or the ramen, were excellent. Cooked just right and have that slight chewy bouncing texture when eaten.

This is the Kagoshima style pork belly (buta kakuni). The belly pork was excellent, soft and tasty, although a bit too salty for our taste. The noodle dipped in sauce was heavenly.

This is the tomato soup noodle. Tomatoes freshly cut and veggies freshly stirred fried right in front of us. The tomatoes and veggies were very fresh and the soup base very good. This help balance out the saltiness of the pork belly. Great combination!

I was told they also make a mean dan dan noodle and hot ramen. Maybe next trip!

Suzuran Ramen
3-7-5 Shibuya, Tokyo

Directions: It's on the east side of the station, not Hachiko or Dogenzaka side. It's behind the huge, rather new, Shibuya police station. Come out Shibuya Station East Exit and take the pedestrian overpass across Meiji Dori, on the right. Head toward the police station, which you can't miss. When you get to the other side, walk uphill on Roppongi Dori just past the station (on your right) and take the second right and it is on the right side of the street. It is literally 5 minutes from the station. Best time to go, before lunch crowd or in the evenings.