Azabu Char Siu Ken - Ramen from 11-to-Seven, not 7-Eleven
Discover the meaty char siu ramen at Azabu Char Siu Ken. Indulge in hearty ramen with mountains of pork and flavorful minced char sui lǔròufàn in a cinematic setting. Open from 11 AM to 7 AM. Yes, you heard that right, AM.
There’s something about those fluorescent lights that reminded me of Chungking Express.
In the Mood for Pork
Azabu Char Siu Ken (麻布チャーシュー軒), is like stepping into a Wong Kar Wai film, minus the subtitles. This spot, which opened last year in a former Korean bibimbap joint, has a vibe that's more Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan than Tokyo. One standout feature of this place is its wild operating hours. Open from 11 AM to 7 AM the next day, great for office lunches or sobering up after an all-nighter.
The restaurant might look like it was there forever, but it only opened in 2023.
The Food
The Char Siu Ramen (チャーシュー麺) is the star of the show here. It's a hearty bowl brimming with generous portions of pork, all immersed in a rich, oily broth. The portions are nothing to scoff at, especially the set menu which pairs ramen with rice bowl. It's a lot for a lunchtime meal, so if you're planning to head back to the office, be prepared for a food coma. The prices are reasonable, though slightly on the higher side for a ramen lunch in Tokyo, you're paying for decent quality, a unique setting, and the more upscale neighborhood. It‘s ¥1,280 for the char siu ramen alone, ¥1,380 for the rice set menu, and ¥300 more if you want to go all out for the set that includes a small lǔròufàn (minced pork rice).
The other standout is the lǔròufàn (ルーローハン). This minced pork rice dish is drenched in a thick sauce, with a sweet cinnamon note that pairs beautifully with the oiliness of the pork. It comes with a flavored soft-boiled egg, green onions, and Zasai (pickled mustard plant) offering a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. At just ¥920, I felt the standalone lǔròufàn is very reasonably priced.
The menu's limited selection can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you won't be overwhelmed with choices. On the other, if you're not in the mood for ramen, alternatives are scarce. During my visit, I found myself in the latter category as I wasn't particularly craving ramen. Typically, Chinese restaurants offer a wide array of dishes, so I expected more options. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led me to try the lǔròufàn, which turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I was at the restaurant for lunch with my coworker, as we had noticed it a few weeks earlier and were eager to give it a try due to its appealing ambiance. Best to go there when you are in the mood for ramen and want to experience the movie-like ambiance yourself.
The menu at Azabu Char Siu Ken.
In summary, Azabu Char Siu Ken offers an authentic Char Siu Ramen experience with a unique twist. It's a place that transports you to the streets of Hong Kong, right in the heart of Tokyo. Just be prepared for a hearty meal that might have you reaching for a pillow rather than a pen in the afternoon.
Red, white, and bright. It’s the theme.
Azabu Char Siu Ken (麻布チャーシュー軒)
📱 Official Accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
📍 Address: ARUGA 8 Building 1F, 3-24-23 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo | Google Maps
Additional Information
- No reservations accepted
- Take out available
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 11:00 AM - 7:00 AM (Closed on Sundays)
Payment Methods:
Cash accepted
Credit Cards accepted
Electronic payments accepted
Facilities:
20 seats (6 tables with 3 seats each)
Non-smoking establishment
Parking:
No parking on-site (several coin-operated parking lots available in the neighborhood)
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