Menya Musashi Shinjuku Honten

I came in not knowing what to expect, i cannot speak japanese or read it. There is a machine that you ha e to order from but it is only in japanese, one of the servers saw me struggling with it and came over and helped me out. First you have to put in your money, then select a choice, and lastly click the button on the bottom right to dispense any change and your ticket. You take the ticket and give it to one of the servers and have a seat. The pork ramen was amazing, the best tasting pork i have ever had in my life. Perfect texture and consistency and the noodles are perfect as well. Great place, i recommend that anyone who visits japan comes here to try their pork ramen.

So this is going to be a weird review. I give it 4 stars because people like it, I (and my S.O.) did not. It looked great, the restaurant AND the ramen. However they use a fish broth and we were not aware of that. We don’t like fish broth, we like pork broth. The pork in the ramen was the best pork I’ve ever had, I would get this bowl again simply for that pork.
So we didn’t finish our broth but we had the pork and I had my egg. I’d recommend if if you like a pork broth, if not then try a Jiro Ramen or something of the like.

There is an abundance of great noodle houses in Japan. I tried 4 – 5. This place is known for their pork belly ramen. They offer the soup or dipping ramen version of the dish. The ingredients seems so simple and similar from one place to another: bamboo, egg, noodle and various meat (depends on restaurant’s specialty). It will be very difficult to eat reman again in the US.

Managed, purely by luck, to skip a big queue! Got there at 7pm on a Saturday night and had a few people in front of us, thankfully the turnaround pf diners is pretty fast and the queue was out of the door by the time we sat down to eat.
The vending/​ordering machine inside is in Japanese with no English option displayed, and the staff are very friendly but do not speak English, I’d be surprised however if you got something you didn’t enjoy! The numbers are written as they are in English so you won’t get a surprise with the price, we paid about 3000 yen (less than £20) in total for two bowls of ramen and two beers. The noodles are freshly made in the open kitchen in front of you, chewy with a lovely bite and the option to have a big or small bowl, of thin or fat noodles. The pork belly in the dish was some of the best cooked meat I’ve had in ramen before, so succulent, and the egg was boiled to perfection to add a richness to the dish when you split it open in the broth.
Highly recommended, don’t be put off by a queue, you’ll be seated soon enough and won’t regret the short wait.

Sigh I am already going through Japan withdrawal especially as I write my various reviews and also a feeling of sadness hits me as all of the delicious meals I had will now ruin any experience for me outside of Japan. Men-​ya Musashi is one of those spots that will now ruin ramen for me anywhere I go in the US. This joint came as a recommendation from a few friends who had been in Tokyo not too long ago and boy am I glad I listened and showed up to this joint for lunch after a long walking day through the city of Tokyo. This is about a 10 minute walk from the JR station and you have to take a right (with the street to your left side) right when you see a post office. You will shortly see the curtain to the joint with the stairway to the left. As you walk into the joint, you will see that all seating is done at the counter and this is the quintessential Japanese restaurant where you put your Yen into a machine and it spits out tickets for you to hand to the folks working behind the counter. There is no English here so you have to go by the pictures that are listed there. what I can safely say is that the third column is the tsukemen which is what I ordered on both of my visits here. Yes I came her twice within the span of 6 days. If there is a wait, you will line up and wait till the servers ask for your tickets but if there is no wait, find a spot at the bar and they will come over to you. They will start asking you questions but the reality is that they are probably asking you what size noodles you want… medium or large I think are the only two options. There is no difference in pricing so just choose freely based on how hungry you are.
Once you hand your tickets just take a look around. I always enjoy watching Japanese ramen bars because you see people slurping delicious bowls of ramen and just savoring it while the folks in the back move seamlessly around the restaurant while yelling out greetings and thanks to people entering/​exiting the restaurant. My bowls finally came out with one for noodles and the other for the broth. The noodles had the two pieces of chashu and egg. I immediately started tossing my noodles into the broth and started eating. Absolutely delicious. The texture of the noodles are perfect and are the EXACT type of noodles I typically look for. It was delicious and I liked the temperature differential between the noodle and broth. The broth was delicious and perfectly matched up. I was really tempted not to pick up the broth and drink from it. The chashu is pretty amazing. Its probably been slow cooked for like years. It breaks apart easily and easily soaks up the broths of the ramen. I have no idea how they made it but its delicious. A bowl of heaven can be served up for 1100 Yen which to me sounds like a great deal when I compare to NYC or SF Ramen prices and even more reasonable when I consider how much more delicious this bowl is. Now the real question is where do I find ramen in the US that will even be able to play in the same ballpark as this… JAPAN WHY DID YOU RUIN FOOD in US FOR ME???

This was not the tipical ramen you can eat in many of the ramen places you can find anywhere in Tokyo. The soups are somehow original and unique in their taste, beware if you are a lover of more classical tastes! Tsukemen (noodles served aside) came with a spicy soup, which was delicious and warming for the cold night of december, and my hb choice of sake root miso ramen was an explosion of taste in a super thick, creamy soup. It tasted beer, too strong for me but very original.
The pork meat that comes with ramen is very thick and rich, not the usual thin slice of chirashi.
The place is quite big (around 20 seats), super clean and organized, and you can see how they cook in front of you.
A great experience!

This is our second favorite ramen place in Japan. Big pork chunks, thick noodles (compare to Icheran), and a decent broth. Get there early or you may have to wait in line. I thought they gave a generous portion of meat. This was my initial favorite until Ippudo.

Pretty tasty ramen noodle! But you gotta wait for s long time to get it!
Taste: Good.
Price: around $ 10.
Line: long. You should go there before they open for lunch. I did it and waited in a line less than 30mnts.
Location: walking distance from stations.

This spot is amazing! The pork is absolutely incredible. Best ramen I have ever had. I even went to the Tokyo ramen show in 2015 and nothing compared to this. I recommend it to anyone. They were helpful for those who did not speak English as well!

Sad to only be giving this place 3 stars as I wanted to absolutely love it, but when looking back I just can’t rate it any higher from a tourist perspective. Perhaps if I spoke Japanese or if any of the vending machine was in English I would be able to go much higher.
It is nice inside, cool décor and the staff are friendly (or I think they were saying nice things), they all wear samurai t shirts and matching hats. All looked very cool.
The vending machine has only Japanese writing so it’s guess work on which ramen button to press as staff don’t speak English. I think this meant that I got a ramen not completely to my taste. It was to gamey with a hint of fish stock. It was fine, but it was probably my least favourite ramen of my trip. You get to choose between thick and thin noodles. I went thick and they were great.
I think you could probably go and have a very very different experience if you went with a local or picked a different button. Nice place, average ramen on this occasion. So only a three.

It has been over a week since I’ve eaten here and I’m still dreaming about the chashu at this place.
I actually had meant to try this ramen well before my last week in Tokyo, but I actually had a little trouble finding it – the restaurant is not along the main north-​south road, but tucked back around the corner. The first time I tried to visit this place, I ended up walking stupidly up and down the block where the map pinpointed the spot until I gave up, not even considering that it might be down the side street. (Anyone else have trouble with this? Just me? Oh well.)
There was only bar seating that I could see but the restaurant was unusually spacious despite this — there was plenty of room to move and I wasn’t jostling other diners as I found my seat. The ordering, like so many other ramen spots, is done by vending machine, and I guess that I looked lost and confused enough that one of the staff kindly came over and helped me discern the differences among the buttons in English. (I don’t have a photo, but basically, the more expensive options have double the chashu.)
But clearly the most important aspect of a ramen restaurant is – surprise! — the ramen. This ramen was excellent but not my favorite. The noodles were thick but not overly chewy, which I really enjoyed, and the egg was cooked to perfection. I found the broth thin and less flavorful than I have come to expect, which was a disappointment. But the chashu — oh, the chashu — I was served with two thick slabs of pork that had been slow cooked for who knows how long that practically melted as soon as I put a bite into my mouth. I’m salivating just writing about it. It was far and away the best chashu I’ve ever tasted. I think, had the broth been richer, this would have been my favorite ramen in Tokyo. But it’s also entirely possible I chose the wrong button at the machine, so who knows? Thicker broth might be an option.
This place is a little out of the way of the hustle and bustle of central Shinjuku, but it’s not that far and worth the walk. Just don’t forget to look around the corner.

The ramen here was the perfect refueling for a long day of exploring Shinjuku. Every aspect was delicious, especially the expertly cooked pork and egg. Lunch here will be on the agenda for future trips to Tokyo!

Exactly what I expected of a ramen joint in Japan! You put in your money first, and then select a ramen option from the vending machine. After, you receive a ticket, and you can choose your size (usually regular, medium, or large). I believe they’re all the same price since you pay beforehand! I was in a rush, so I picked the very right most choice, which was a dipping ramen with chasu & egg. The broth had a very smokey flavor, but the smokiness was a bit overwhelming for me and made me feel a bit nauseous at the end. The ramen, pork, & egg were cooked perfectly. I picked the regular size, and I could barely finish half of it! You’re seated at a bar, and most people are typically in & out, so this isn’t really the place for chit chat.

Definitely the best ramen I’ve ever had. Still dreaming about the pork that melts in your mouth and the fresh noodles, perfectly cooked egg and comforting broth.
When you enter — if you’re unsure of what to order from the machine (it’s all in Japanese) just go for the one marked «most popular». You can’t go wrong. Then you hand over your ticket let them know if you want regular or large size (I went for regular and it was plenty) and wait for a seat. Then, enjoy! You won’t regret it. I want to go back.

After a long day trip out of Tokyo, I felt like something soupy and comforting for dinner. Unilocal says this is the best Ramen joint in the Shinjuku area so off I went. Easy to find on the north west side of the station, I thought I was in luck as there was no queue. I stepped inside and found 10 people waiting! The machine had a photo of the most popular dry and soup Ramen so I picked the soup one. The queue moved quite quickly as people don’t dally about — slurp their Ramen and go. The server asked if I wanted a small or large serving so I said large and I assume they’re both the same price?
I quickly moved to the front of the queue and within seconds of me sitting down a bowl of hot Ramem in soup was placed in front of me. One spoonful of the broth and I was hooked! But to top it off, the noodles themselves were exquisite — thick cut but cooked to bouncy perfection. There were a few hunks of slow cooked pork, bamboo, a sheet of seaweed and a perfectly cooked egg. This was heaven in a bowl and it hit all the right notes.
For 1100¥ ($AUD 12.50) it is quite pricey for Ramen but when it tastes this good, who cares?

I don’t speak any Japanese, but we decided to chance the Ramen here based on Unilocal recommendations. The machine had pictures so we made our selection based on those. I unfortunately picked the 800 Yen Ramen which did not have the egg but at least I know now for next time.
Standing in line for food did not take very long and it was very interesting to see how all the staff worked together to get diners in and out very quickly.
My husband and I got seats together and our selections were promptly presented to us. The broth in both instances was excellent. A little salty and full of flavor. The pork belly was delicious though I personally avoided the other meat in my bowl as it was too tough for me.
The portions were huge. I made it through roughly half my serving before I had to call it quits.
Overall — worth checking out. Don’t be intimidated if you can’t speak or read Japanese. You really can’t go wrong, unless you’re a vegetarian.

Best ramen I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. The noodles were just perfect: chewy, soft, and delicious. The pork had just the right ratio of meat and fat. Speaking of the pork, I swear you can taste the wood grill on the meat. Absolutely amazing. I can go on and on about it, as the broth settles my tummy into a food coma, but I’ll just let you try it for yourselves. Trust me, You won’t regret it.

Simply incredible.
I had lots of good ramen while in Japan, but this place was hands down the best. The flavours were woven together so well that it was just delightful. We tried the regular ramen set, but there was a special strawberry ramen that we desperately wanted to try but were just too full. I can only hope that it is on the menu next time I’m in Tokyo as I will definitely be going back to eat here again.
The ambiance in the place was great as well, good lighting that puts all the focus on the food, with a single bar that wraps around 2 sides of the kitchen area so you can see each bowl as it is prepared.
Watching the 6+ person staff working in such a small area was impressive, as they deftly moved around one another with a skill that shows many, many hours of practice. Even when the noodle guy pulled out a basket of noodles and shook them dry, a ritual litany would go up and the other staff would subtly shift position so that no one was splashed — then go straight back into their task without missing a beat.
Simply incredible.

If you are visiting Tokyo, in the Shinjuku area, and looking for a ramen shop, Menya Musashi is the place. It is clearly the most popular ramen noodle store in Shinjuku and the line at the restaurant proves that. However, the line moves very quickly. Once you find the place, you have to use the ticket machine to select the ramen bowl. If you can’t read Japanese, don’t worry, one of the guys in the kitchen will help you. I had the recommended ramen in the soy pork broth with the kakuni pork, which just melts in your mouth. The medium size bowl was perfectly filling for me. The broth was tasty and unlike the traditional Miso broth which is widely avaliable. The noodles were nicely done with a slight bite to them. Overall, this restaurant lived up to its reputation. If you had limited time in Tokyo and looking for a ramen place to check off your list, then Menya Musashi is the place to go!

After a little difficulty in figuring out how to order, we finally purchased our ramen and handed in our order. Keeping in mind this is my first (and possibly only) ramen in Tokyo this trip, it is hands down the best ramen I’ve had so far in my life. This is in comparison to those very few I’ve tried in the U.S. (one in Miami, Ramen Tatsuya in Austin, Michi? in Austin).
While Tatsuya is very tasty, and I personally like it, there’s something about it that makes me unable to finish my own bowl. Despite the quantity of food (I only ordered a small, but it’s a lot for me) I had no trouble finishing the ramen at Menya Musashi. The noodles are perfectly chewy (QQ in Taiwanese lingo) and seem to have a delicious flavor on its own. The soup is salty (but not unbearably so) and so flavorful. (It is a bit heavy on the oil, but I don’t mind that.) There’s two pieces of meat, one a chashu round and one that’s braised, that are soft, chewy, moist, and delectable. The braised piece had fat that melts in your mouth and yet the meat itself is not overcooked or tough.
I’m no ramen connoisseur and haven’t tried too many ramen restaurants in my life. However, I really like the ramen at this restaurant. There’s a high likelihood that I’ll be back here one more time before I leave.

Quick and easy to order! And the staff can speak English to help you out.
The food itself was amazing!!! I couldn’t believe how much flavour goes into a bowl of noodle soup. Must try.

GEESUS is all I can say! Before some shopping at Don Quijote, my bf and I were walking around to find a breakfast spot. Saw ramen, and in we went!
They have a ticket machine, and I was too lazy to read and just went based on the pictures. I did read that the ones that we chose had many toppings, so we both went for that one. It was close to 12 dollars. that should’ve given me the hint as to why it was so pricey compared to the other 7 – 8 buck ramens. –_​–
We got seated and 5 minutes later, I was staring at this ginormous bowl filled with noodles and toppings. It was laughing in my face. I literally said, «HOLY EFFING CRAP.» It was the biggest bowl of ramen that I’ve ever seen!
I was eating noodles for 20 minutes straight. it was never ending! How I even finished it, I don’t know. I would have to say it was a good 4 servings worth of noodles. My stomach. was capable.
The toppings were delicious, the noodles were thick and chewy (my absolute favorite!!), and the broth was perfect. I believe we ordered the miso base.
I’ll most likely go back. :D

I’ve been doing thorough research on great ramen shops prior to landing in Tokyo. Menya Musashi was on my list and I came here right after I checked into my Shinjuku hotel.
WOW! That’s all I kept saying throughout my meal. I ignored my wife the whole time, slurping my ramen and eating ravenously, while uttering the same word over and over again — «WOW!!»
The noodles were thick and perfectly cooked, the broth was amazing, and after trying out about 10 or so ramen places in Japan, I’d say that Menya Musashi’s pork belly was literally the best I’ve had. It was so large and tender.
Note: If you don’t know how to work the ticket machine, ask one of the staff. They can speak English and were able to help us out.

We asked our friends who live in Tokyo where to get ramen, and they responded without hesitation, «Menya Musashi.» Done and done.
The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, with dim lights, dark wood, red accents, and hardworking staff. They really turn seats around quickly.
I ordered the shoyu ramen, and was so excited when the steaming bowl was placed in front of me at the counter. The noodles were perfectly cooked, with the perfect level of chewiness. The broth was complex, and so savory, like silk. However, the standout component was the pork. It was incredibly juicy, and pull apart, with tremendous amount of flavor. This is probably the best bowl of ramen I’ve even had in my life.