ランチ向上委員会
This is a Chinese restaurant located near Kachidoki Station on the Toei Oedo Line. The restaurant is situated right next to Tsukishima Second Children's Park. The exterior of the restaurant is an old building that looks like a combination of a residence and a shop, with no banners or signs, making it hard to tell from a distance if it's open or closed. However, it's a popular spot with long lines during lunchtime. Inside, there are only table seats in this small restaurant with five tables. The walls are decorated with menus and autographs of celebrities, making it a well-known place among locals. The menu includes their famous Dan Dan Wonton Noodles priced at 980 yen, which is quite expensive for Chuo Ward. The cheapest item on the menu is the Shinasobaya Ramen at 730 yen. I tried the Dan Dan Wonton Noodles (980 yen) which are different from the typical sesame-flavored ones, as they are finished with beaten eggs, similar to the style of Kawasaki's Dan Dan noodles. When served, you can strongly smell the aroma of sesame oil. The soup is piping hot due to the sesame oil covering it. The ingredients include minced meat, zha cai, enoki mushrooms, and leeks, all topped with beaten eggs. Of course, there are wontons as well. This unique style of Dan Dan noodles was created when a Chinese restaurant in Kawasaki learned Sichuan-style Dan Dan noodles and adapted it for Japanese taste, resulting in a slightly different version of Dan Dan noodles. This version is closer to the traditional Kawasaki style. The zha cai, cut into squares, is the most abundant ingredient after the eggs. The seasoning is a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil, with a mild flavor overall. The spiciness is derived from the zha cai, with a hint of doubanjiang or chili added, making it tolerable without needing water. However, it is very hot, so you might want to drink water. There is no garlic, so the overall taste is mild, making it suitable for a lunch meal. The noodles are standard Chinese noodles, curly and firm. The wontons are average, with a slightly chewy texture. They are not necessary, but without them, the regular Dan Dan noodles (880 yen) might lack volume. Since the wontons cost an additional 100 yen, it's worth adding them. This Dan Dan noodles with a sesame oil aroma is like a unique soy sauce ramen. Lunchtime can get crowded, so it's considered rude to use your smartphone, and it's best to leave promptly after finishing your meal as there are people waiting outside. It may feel slightly expensive, but for a lunch in Chuo Ward, this is standard pricing. For non-Kawasaki residents, this unique and rare noodle dish is worth trying even at this price. If you're in the Kachidoki area and craving unique ramen, this is a recommended spot.