Yōshu Shonin Ramen - These Sour Noodles could make a Lemon jealous
Yōshu Shonin Ramen offers a unique blend of Chinese flavors and Japanese charm, with its Sour Noodles being a standout dish. The restaurant's ambiance is a quirky mix of old-world charm and pop culture references, providing a fun and memorable dining experience.
The food here will transport you back to the height of martial arts films in the 1970s.
When it comes to satisfying our cravings for authentic Ramen, we often turn to the familiar flavors of the popular noodle dish. And if you're a fan of Chinese-style noodles, then there's one restaurant chain in Japan that you simply can't miss - Yōshu Shonin Ramen (揚州商人ラーメン).
A late Awakening
It's funny how sometimes the most incredible places can go unnoticed for years until someone introduces you to them. That's exactly what happened with Yōshu Shonin Ramen. After spending many years in Japan without hearing a whisper about this hidden gem, a group of Japanese friends finally brought us to their Yokohama store.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were instantly captivated by the unique interior design. The restaurant effortlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with pop culture references from martial arts films. It felt like stepping into a vibrant mix of old-world charm and contemporary coolness.
Food with a Kick, and a Punch or two
Now let's talk about what it is all about - the food! With an extensive menu featuring a variety of tantalizing dishes, it's hard to choose just one favorite at Yōshu Shonin Ramen. However, there are a few must-try options that we simply cannot resist recommending.
- Black Vinegar Fried Rice (黒酢チャーハン / Kurozu Cha Han)
Price: ¥1,070
This flavorful fried rice dish is infused with black vinegar, giving it a unique tangy twist that sets it apart from any other fried rice you've ever tasted. - Sour Soup-less Vinegar Oil Noodles (スーラー油めん / Suura Abura Men)
Price: ¥980
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors with these delectable soup-less noodles. The combination of sourness and slight spiciness will leave you craving for more. - Sour Dan Noodles (スーラータンメン / Suura Tan Men)
Price: ¥1,070
If you're a fan of bold flavors, then this dish is for you. The tangy broth paired with the perfectly cooked noodles creates a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. - Curry Dan Dan Noodles (カレータンタン麺 / Karee Tan Tan Men)
Price: ¥1,120
While we haven't had the chance to try this dish ourselves, our friend Kōki highly recommends it. It's on our list for our next visit!
There are three varieties of noodles available for the noodle dishes. There are thick hand-tossed ones, normal ones, and thin ones in the selection. I suggest the thick, freshly made noodles. For additional savings on specific dishes, download their official app and register for a free account. Simply show the app in the store when you visit to obtain them.
The best part about Yōshu Shonin Ramen is that it's a chain restaurant, making it easy to find a location near you if you are in the Kanto area. So whether you're in Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, or Saitama, there's a good chance that one of their branches is just around the corner.
Suura Abura Men, Kurozu Cha Han, and Suura Tan Men (from left to right)
Where Bruce Lee meets Confucius in a Back Alley
Aside from the mouthwatering food, one thing that makes dining at Yōshu Shonin Ramen truly memorable is its unique ambiance. Each store has its own distinct look, but they all share the same theme - a mix of traditional Chinese aesthetics and pop culture elements inspired by old martial arts films.
You'll find Chinese posters adorning the walls and authentic Chinese writing scattered throughout the restaurant. It feels like stepping into a bustling back alley in China filled with nostalgic memorabilia from classic martial arts movies. It's kitschy in all the right ways and adds an extra layer of fun to your dining experience.
Affordable Prices and Generous Portions
In addition to amazing food and captivating ambiance, Yōshu Shonin Ramen also offers great value for your money. Prices are fair, and the portions are generous, ensuring that you leave with a satisfied belly without breaking the bank. Also as mentioned above, do check their official app to get additional discounts.
For instance, during our recent visit, we spent only ¥4,100 for lunch with our family of three. And that included ordering an extra rice to share with our small child! We indulged in dishes such as Suura Tan Men, Kurozu Cha Han, Gyoza (thanks to a coupon), Suura Abura Men, a rice set, and even treated ourselves to a 500ml bottle of beer.
What a bowl needs to look like after a successful meal.
In Conclusion
Yōshu Shonin Ramen is a delightful fusion of Chinese flavors and Japanese charm. While we can't vouch for its authenticity compared to traditional Chinese cuisine, there's no denying the incredible taste it delivers. We find ourselves going back time and time again for those heavenly Sour Oil Noodles - they're simply too good to resist!
The ambiance adds an extra layer of entertainment with its quirky mix of old-world charm and pop culture references from martial arts films. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but it's undeniably fun and memorable.
If you're planning to dine with your little ones, Yōshu Shonin Ramen is definitely a kid-friendly spot. They provide baby chairs and have ample space for families to comfortably enjoy their meals. However, do keep in mind that the availability of these facilities may vary between different locations.
And let's not forget the convenience of having Yōshu Shonin Ramen as a chain restaurant. So if you ever find yourself craving those sour noodles while exploring Kanto's bustling cities or maybe even on the way somewhere else entirely - fear not! There's likely a branch nearby, ready to satisfy your cravings for a taste of China in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Some more impressions of Yōshu Shonin Ramen we visited in Kashiwa.
Yōshu Shonin Ramen, Oyamadai Store Kashiwa
Official Twitter account here and Instagram page here
🌐 Website: https://www.yousyusyonin.com
📞 Phone: +81 4-7137-7717
📍 Address: 〒277-0837 Chiba, Kashiwa, Oyamadai, 1 Chome−２４ | Google Maps
Additional Information
- There are many other stores all over the Kanto area, visit their website for a list of all the stores
Opening Hours:
Every day from 11:00 to 04:00
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