Menya Kaijin is a highly evaluated fish stock shio (salt) restaurant. It is conveniently located near the south-east exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
The soup flavor changes on a seasonal basis as the management places great emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Fish used to make a stock for the day is written in masterful Japanese calligraphy and posted on the wall.
The signature menu item, "Arataki Shio Ramen," can be ordered with a "Heshiko Yaki Onigiri" (grilled rice ball with mackerel pickled in rice-bran paste) on the side. The stock is made through a process of simmering different species of fish offcuts (“ara”) to produce a deep seafood flavor. This stock is mixed with shio tare (salt seasoning sauce) to create a golden-colored clear and smooth soup. You have the option of ordering the spicy version with three level of spiciness – mild, medium, or hot.
Noodles are custom-made with a blend of two kinds of flour. Thin and straight noodles have a firm texture that meshs well with the light soup. The restaurant offers an omori (large size) noodle portion at no extra charge. Every bowl comes with two meatballs: seafood meatball (made from shrimp and minced cod) and chicken meatball. The noodles are topped with leeks, myoga ginger, julienned ginger, shredded red pepper, and green shiso leaves.
Remember to save your soup for later. Dump the rice ball into the remaining soup after you are done eating the noodles and polish off the remainder with your spoon.
あら炊き塩らぁめん、とても美味しいです。自分的には、塩ラーメンの中でもベスト5にはいります。 Quote from Google Map Review
