Men Kurai – Ramen Heavyweight in Hamamatsucho
- Frank
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Hamamatsucho is loaded with ramen shops, but Men Kurai (MENクライ) sits confidently at the top of the rankings. It doesn't take long to see why this place stands out.
Shoyu Ramen with Muscle
Their signature bowl is a shoyu ramen built on unpasteurized soy sauce. The broth is meaty but layered. Chicken, pork, and fish (including dried bonito and dried mackerel) all come together for depth and balance.
Toppings hit all the right notes: proper pork chashu, a naruto (fish cake) swirl, fresh spinach, negi (spring onions), and a soft-boiled egg if you go all in. Classic, but beautifully executed. But what truly makes this bowl unforgettable are the noodles.
These aren’t just thick - they’re colossal. Ridiculously wide, chewy, and doughy, unlike anything I’ve seen at another ramen shop. These hand-pressed noodles are practically a meal by themselves.
Abura Soba – A Different Take
If anything, the soupless ramen (abura soba) showcases those noodles even better. With no broth to distract, they’re front and center.
The base is soy sauce again, but lighter, with pork lard binding it all together. A subtle spiciness creeps in too, giving the dish a flavor profile that almost recalls Southeast Asian stir-fried noodles, like pad see ew.
The toppings seal the deal - raw garlic, chopped negi, chashu, dumplings (a house specialty), and a soft egg if you go all in. Bold, slightly spicy, and utterly addictive.
Why It Works
Men Kurai is operated by the same company behind Chuukasoba Waka in Shinagawa, and it shows. Their noodle-making “laboratory” has clearly been busy. Crafting noodles like these isn’t just about skill - it’s experimentation and obsession.
The line here is steady but not overwhelming. Unlike some Tokyo heavyweights, you don’t need to block off half your day to get a seat. And yet, Men Kurai consistently dominates the Hamamatsucho ramen charts. This is a serious feat in an area packed with strong contenders.
Men Kurai Hamamatsucho Ramen - Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring Hamamatsucho, make sure Men Kurai is on your list. Whether you go for the hearty shoyu ramen or the spicy, almost pad see ew–like abura soba, you’ll leave impressed.
