01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
A whole Nanko umeboshi rests atop the bowl, waiting to be gently broken apart with chopsticks and stirred into the hot broth. Situated in Shinjuku's Nakazatocho neighborhood, between Kagurazaka and Edogawabashi, Banchan Ramen draws many regulars specifically for this signature pickled plum ramen. Built on a shio or shoyu base and garnished with chopped green onions, chashu pork, menma bamboo shoots, and wakame seaweed, the soup gains a refreshing edge as the plum's gentle tartness spreads through each sip.
The noodle lineup offers wide variety, from classic soy sauce, salt, and miso ramen to negi ramen tossed with shredded scallions and pork, as well as tororo kombu ramen topped with shredded kelp. Chilled ramen is another fixture; labeled on the menu with the note 'available all year,' both standard hiyashi chuka and umeboshi hiyashi chuka can be ordered whenever a cooling, tangy bowl is desired, regardless of the season.
Those with extra room can pair drinks like beer or sake with side dishes like gyoza dumplings and negi chashu pork. The shop operates for lunch from 11:30 to 13:30 and dinner from 18:00 to 23:30, suiting both a quiet solo lunch at the counter and a later evening meal. Payment is cash only and seats cannot be reserved, making it an easy neighborhood spot to drop by on a whim.
