大阪めんま
Located along Sennichimae Street near Nipponbashi Station in Chuo Ward, Osaka, is a restaurant called "Chotonton Nodou 8," known for its signature dish of tonkotsu ramen. Established in 2013, this restaurant is operated by Jay Solid Co., Ltd., which also runs "Gyoza no Sakaba Michael," "Fry & Chicken Grill Michael," "Yakitori Hassaku," and franchises like this "Chotonton Nodou 8" and "Dashi ga Inochi no Shio Ramen Gyogyogyogyo." The menu features the light tonkotsu ramen with a "level 8" intensity, as well as a super rich tonkotsu ramen with a "level 27" intensity. I decided to visit this place based on a recommendation for the "level 27" ramen, which is said to be delicious.
The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from exit 7 of Nipponbashi Station, with nearby coin parking available for those driving. I visited on a Saturday around 2:30 pm, and the restaurant was about 70% full, allowing me to enter without a wait. Orders are made through a ticket machine, with options for the "level 8," "level 27," tonkotsu concentrated tsukemen, and simmered bonito tonkotsu shoyu ramen. It is a common practice at this restaurant to enjoy the "atomeshi" by savoring the soup after finishing the noodles.
I ordered the "level 27" ramen with extra green onions, specifying my preferences for the toppings. The soup, which is thoroughly blended in a blender, had a foamy surface and a slightly thick texture. It was rich in umami, smooth, and creamy, without any unpleasant smell or aftertaste. The noodles were medium-thick with a chewy texture. The chashu was tender and flavorful without being too fatty. I tried mixing in the spicy miso halfway through, which added a spicy kick but slightly diminished the sweetness of the soup. Personally, I preferred the ramen without the spicy miso.
Despite its richness, I easily finished the soup and would love to try the atomeshi next time if I have room in my stomach. Even though I skipped the "level 8" ramen and went straight for the "level 27," I would definitely revisit to try the "level 8" as well. Overall, it was a satisfying meal.