Fact: Menya Sou (麺屋 宗) has the best chicken ramen in Nakameguro. They’ve got incredible variety too – choose shoyu or shio seasoning and light, rich or spicy broth.
Chicken Ramen in Nakameguro - what to choose?
I think the best choice at Menya Sou is a rich broth (tori paitan) and this by default is seasoned with shio (salt).
The shio’s saltiness fittingly shares the stage with the rich chicken soup. Light + shio or shoyu (soy sauce) are still tasty options, especially if you’re worried about a heavier food coma.
BBQ like Pork?
The topping that takes center stage is the well-seasoned grilled pork. You’ll almost want to reach for a BBQ apron. The pork has a certain smoky firmness and a peppery flavor assisted by garlic bits.
The egg too is fantastic. In addition, the long hosaki menma (bamboo shoots) and mizuna (Japanese mustard greens) have revitalizing qualities, particularly against the rich broth.
Lastly, they use fairly soft and thin, straight noodles.
Tsukemen, Spicy Options at Menya Sou
The tsukemen (dipping ramen) broth is more potent and the are noodles thicker – as they should be.
With the tsukemen you also get to enjoy the grilled pork by itself more, without the broth getting in the way. Just like with the ramen, choose light (shoyu) or rich (shio).
The “umakara”spicy ramen is with a light / shoyu base. Choose your spiciness level from 1-7. Be warned though, even 5 is hot. I would stick to levels 1-3 for this chili oil infusion (or intrusion).
Cozy Interior
With 9 seats, Menya Sou is a not a big ramen shop. But you’ll feel right at home. The same company operates another branch by Waseda University and I’m told they do their ramen a bit differently.
But when it comes to chicken ramen in Nakameguro, Menya Sou is the only place you need to go!