Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku, a local media outlet dedicated to all things Shinjuku.
Today I visited Shinjuku Otakibashi Kuma-chan Ramen in the Shinjuku West area—part of the trendy chan-kei ramen wave. Here’s what I found.
Shinjuku West’s Chan-kei Spot: “Shinjuku Otakibashi Kuma-chan Ramen”
Opened in July 2023 on competitive Otakibashi-dori, Kuma-chan Ramen sits on the 1st floor of Shinjuku Daikan Plaza 756, where the Indian curry shop “FISH” is located. It’s about a 3-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
This is a sister shop of Tomochin Ramen in Koenji and belongs to the currently popular “chan-kei ramen” style.
What is “chan-kei ramen”?
Since around 2020, shops—mainly in Tokyo—bearing signs like “Chuka Soba” or “Mori Chuka” and often named “○○-chan Ramen” have increased. Collectively they’re known as chan-kei ramen.
I made my first visit on a weekday a little after 6:00 p.m.
Interior
Inside, there are 14 counter seats only.
The counters are spotless and feel very clean. I also noticed several solo female diners—overall, it has an easy-to-enter atmosphere for anyone.
How to Order / Menu
Purchase a ticket from the vending machine set up outside the shop.
Menu (partial):
- Chuka Soba — ¥750
- Chuka Soba (Large) — ¥950
- Beer Set — ¥1,350
- Chashu Ramen — ¥1,000
- Chashu Ramen (Large) — ¥1,200
- Mori Chuka (Regular) — ¥900
- Mori Chuka (Large) — ¥950
Under the machine there’s a plastic tag marked “free rice”—you can take one and add rice to your order.
Chuka Soba & Chashu Ramen
Chuka Soba — ¥750
I went with the standard chuka soba. It arrived in under five minutes after I sat down.
The bowl is filled to the brim with broth, capped by an oil film that keeps it piping hot.
Raw Egg — ¥100
I also added a raw egg (¥100). The small dish includes chopped green onions and menma.
With the egg on top, the presentation looks even more inviting.
The clear broth leans salty, but it’s very tasty and addictive.
The fresh-cut chashu is thinner than at many other chan-kei shops—light and easy to eat together with the noodles.
The medium-thin, flat noodles are slick and smooth, offering great slurp and swallow.
Chashu Ramen — ¥1,000
I also ordered the chashu ramen.
A raw-egg topping is highly recommended for an even more indulgent look and taste.
As you eat, the flat noodles soak up the broth and seem to gain extra chew. Many customers were ordering their noodles firm.
For a flavor shift, try the tabletop condiment called “N-mō HOT”—a chili-miso paste. Even a little increases heat and depth. The shop recommends adding a splash of vinegar after N-mō HOT for their preferred finish.
With any remaining chashu, I topped it over white rice with the raw egg and polished off the meal—delicious to the very end.
Summary
Shinjuku Otakibashi Kuma-chan Ramen delivers on both flavor and service. Beyond the tasty bowls, I was impressed by the hospitality of the staff toward everyone—from tourists and office workers to dedicated ramen fans.
It’s a place I definitely want to revisit. If you’re nearby, give it a try!
Store Information
- Name: Shinjuku Otakibashi Kuma-chan Ramen
- Address: 1F, Shinjuku Daikan Plaza 756, 7-5-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
- Nearest Station: ~3 minutes on foot from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (approx. 170 m)
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00 / 17:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–16:00 / 17:00–20:00
- Closed: None
- Outlets: ✕ Wi-Fi: ✕ Smoking: ✕
- Notes: 14 seats; credit cards accepted; e-money accepted
- Tabelog Rating: 3.48 (as of Feb 2024)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
（https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/02/18/kotakibashi-kumachan-ramen/）
