Ramen Hiiki in Kamata: A Cleaner, Take on Iekei
- Frank
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Ramen Hiiki (らーめん飛粋) in Kamata brings a different angle to Yokohama-style Ie-Kei - a style known for its rich pork-and-chicken broth, chewy noodles, and that unmistakable pork bone funk that hits you before you even sit down.
Hiiki keeps the core framework, but steers it toward something cleaner, more polished, and more modern.
A Balanced Broth, Lifted by Chicken Oil
Where a lot of Ie-Kei shops lean into brute force, Hiiki opts for balance. Their pork-and-chicken broth still has that signature salty, creamy character. But the edges are softer, the flavors more controlled.
The chicken oil (鶏油) is a big part of that. It adds aroma and richness without weighing the soup down. Instead of coating your tongue like some of the heavier bowls do, it glides. It's iekei - just one wearing a freshly ironed shirt.
I’ll be honest: on some days, I actually crave the messier, funkier side of iekei. That punch of pork bone, that unruly energy. Hiiki doesn’t go in that direction. But within the “refined” lane they’ve chosen, they execute it extremely well.
Toppings: Classic Framework, Modern Touches
Hiiki follows the standard lineup:
wilted spinach
sheets of nori
thick noodles
But then comes something very un-iekei: super-rare, soft sous-vide chashu pork. It's tender, modern, almost silky - a clear departure from the old-school, firmer slices you often see at Yokohama-heavy shops.
It fits Hiiki’s more polished style, even if traditionalists may blink twice.
On the counter, you’ll find the classics condiments - fresh garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang (broad bean paste).
Ramen Hiiki in Kamata - Final Thoughts
Hiiki shows that iekei ramen doesn’t always have to be chaotic, loud, or aggressively rich. Their version is balanced, aromatic, and decidedly modern.
On days when you want a cleaner, smoother interpretation of iekei, Hiiki absolutely hits the spot. On days when you want pure pork bone mayhem - well, that’s when you head to one of the rowdier Yokohama shops.
