Must Try: Oreryu Shio Ramen - Not your Typical Chicken Ramen

Aaaah... Ramen... Is there even a need for introductions? I suppose I should be asking... how do you like your ramen? Ramen is the most versatile noodle soup there is. In Japan, there is a ramen shop in almost every corner. You can be sure to find one near or within train stations. However, you'll find that each broth, sauce, toppings, noodles, and spiciness will be different. Ramen chefs even experiment on new ramen recipes on a daily basis!

How do you like your ramen?

When I came to Japan, I did not know much about ramen. Would you believe I've never tasted ramen before we came to Japan? Yes, even when I was still in the Philippines, and some of my friends can't shut up about ramen. Why? The only available ramen shops I know in the Philippines only serve pork broth soups. Unfortunately, 10 years ago, I vowed never to eat pork in my life.

| RELATED ARTICLE: Why I stopped eating pork and other four-legged animals - almost 10 years now!

And so, even if there are salt-based, soy-based, seafood-based, or chicken-based soup available, it will most likely be topped with pork chasu.  It is hard to find a ramen shop with chicken meat, even here in Japan.

Fortunately, we found one of the best ramens in Tokyo at the heart of Shibuya - Oreryu Shio Ramen.  The brilliant chef and owner Kobayashi-san created a recipe that only uses chicken bone and leek.  Knowing that ramen shops become obsolete after certain times, he continues to evolve his ramen recipe. You can find that there are many variations of their Shio ramen for your own liking on their menu.

If there are other chicken broth and salt-based (shio) ramen shops out there, what is so special? 

IT'S FRIED CHICKEN! 

Crispy, juicy, large, and just the perfect match for your noodle soup.

Pictures do not lie so here they are:

Irumen Omen Prime Ramen that is clear soup but this one we asked to be spicy

If you want your soup extra creamy, just say so.

This is called Iruru shrimp wonton ramen. Also requested to be creamy.

We also like their fried rice. It is rich with flavors and we can't resist but order one together with our ramen - gluttony at its finest! (LOL)

For a large bowl with fried chicken and even pork chasu, it is only priced at 980 yen.

Ramen + Fried Rice. If you have companions who does not feel like eating ramen. They have rice bowls with toppings too.

Did I mention the bowl is really big and packed?

 

Ordering here is like most Japanese ramen shops where you insert your money, chose your ramen, get your change, and just hand over the slips of paper to the staff. Like most ramen shops, waiting time is usually less than 10minutes. 

Vending ordering machine at Oreryu Shio Ramen in Nakameguro (with English translations)

They are located in 17 different locations here in Japan and the overseas branches are only available in Hongkong as of this writing. Store List here.

Why settle with classic tonkatsu ramen when there are a lot of ramen shops waiting to be discovered while you are exploring in Japan?

These are the branches we personally tried:

TOKYU MAIN SHIBUYA STORE

〒150-0043 2-23-1, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku Koike Building 1st floor

This location is at the heart of Shibuya, near Mega DonQuijote and 7 minutes from Hachiko exit of Shibuya station

SHIBUYA SOHONTEN
〒150-0043 1-22-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku Asahiya Building 1F

We usually sit outside. There are some seats for groups inside. It's in Shibuya but not at the heart of it so it is not very crowded.

NAKAMEGURO STORE

〒153-0042 1-28-11 Aobadai, Meguro-ku Brooksville 1F

What we like about this branch is that there are more seats for groups

Obaasan got a clear bowl of ramen since she does not like rich flavored food. She also shared it with Lucas.

He did not like ramen before, now it's one of his favorite. They give out kiddie tray and bowls for kids even if you don't ask for one.

This bowl got a clear soup but spicy. He was coughing the whole time. lol