(4⁄5 stars) Unilocal 100 Challenge 2016 — 3⁄100 Ichien moved to this location a couple years ago after being located at the far end of Mitaka Dōri for many many years. It was a pleasant surprise to find them tucked into this side street a few months ago, so what happened next? A number of visits and Unilocal Review, of course! The business itself has a very long history, and they used to be associated with another ramen chain by the same name, but have since gone independent. I don’t know how they get away with using the same name, but that’s a discussion for another day. Anyway, on with the highlights! Highlights: — Access: 3⁄5 stars(located between five and ten minutes directly south of JR Mitaka station, you’ll need the Unilocal app to find this place. Easy to find if you turn at the right corner.) — Menu: 4.5÷5(great selection of ramen in various flavors, plus a few unique varieties you’ve not see elsewhere; gyoza are really nice — big, juicy and flavorful — order a plateful as a side dish to your noodles or entrée) — Atmosphere: 4⁄5(since moving here, the old, dingy and typical ramen shop atmosphere has been cleaned up; however, it still feels comfy and homey but not upscale) — Service: 4⁄5(straight-forward and no nonsense; the older couple running the shop are happy to answer any questions you may have, however) — Value: 4.5÷5(reasonably priced with additional value to be had during lunchtime; quality shows long years of refining their craft) OK, so it’s no huge chain which is fine by me. This is typical comfort food prepared well and presented at reasonable price points. As you can see in the photo, I’m a fan of the ramen made from spinach. Yes, green noodles! The flavor is subtle and compliments the light soy sauce broth. A side of fried gyoza is mandatory! As is typical of ramen shops, they also offer«teishoku» plates — set menus of stir-fry served with rice, soup and side veggies. These are good alternatives to ramen, if you’re in the mood. Overall, the appeal of the shop is its long years(almost 40?) of being in business, which has given them time to refine and focus their menu offerings. So although it’s a bit of a hike from the station, a visit is always worthwhile, filling and comforting. Give them a visit if you’re in the area; you might even run into me enjoying my favorite ramen and gyoza.
