Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from the Shinjuku local media site Daily Shinjuku.
Today, I would like to introduce “Taiheiken,” a tonkotsu ramen shop located in Yotsuya, Shinjuku City.
A Tonkotsu Ramen Shop Just 1 Minute from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station
Taiheiken is operated by SOBO, the company behind the one-bite gyoza specialty shop “Akasaka Chibisuke.”
The shop serves a light and gentle tonkotsu ramen that is smooth enough to drink down to the last drop.
It is located about a one-minute walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station, down a side street off Shinjuku-dori Avenue toward Yotsuya Station.
On this occasion, I visited during a weekday lunch hour.
Clean Interior — Comfortable Even for Female Customers
The interior consists of eight counter seats only.
The spacing between seats is relatively wide, and the shop feels clean and tidy, creating an atmosphere that is easy for female customers to enter comfortably.
On the table, you will find pickled ginger, sesame seeds, pepper, and vinegar. Garlic is not provided.
Below are some of the menu items offered at Taiheiken.
Menu (Partial List)
- Tonkotsu Ramen – ¥750 (tax included)
- Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – ¥800
- Tonkotsu Miso Ramen – ¥800
- Tonkotsu Curry Rice Bowl – ¥750
- Ajitama Ramen (with seasoned egg) – ¥850
- Spicy Takana Ramen – ¥850
- Extra Noodles (Kaedama) – ¥100
- Half Extra Noodles – ¥50
- Mentaiko Rice – ¥300
- Spicy Takana Rice – ¥300
Ajitama Ramen and Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen
Here are the dishes ordered during this visit.
Ajitama Ramen – ¥850
I ordered the ajitama ramen, which is the standard tonkotsu ramen topped with a seasoned soft-boiled egg.
Adding the pickled ginger from the table enhances the flavor.
The toppings are simple: chashu pork, green onions, and wood ear mushrooms.
The soup is light and clean, without the strong animal aroma often associated with tonkotsu ramen.
Despite its lightness, it has richness and smoothness, making it truly drinkable to the last drop.
The ultra-thin straight noodles pair perfectly with the soup, and the bowl was finished quickly.
Extra Noodles – ¥100
I ordered extra noodles cooked firm and added sesame seeds and spicy takana to enjoy it until the very end.
Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – ¥800
＋ Spicy Takana Rice – ¥300
The tonkotsu shoyu ramen features a creamy broth enhanced with soy sauce flavor and saltiness, along with a generous amount of back fat.
The back fat clings well to the noodles, creating a richer, more indulgent taste compared to the standard tonkotsu ramen.
This option is recommended for those who want something more filling.
The chashu pork contains some fat and is tender and substantial.
The spicy takana served over rice has strong heat and umami even in small amounts.
It can be enjoyed not only with rice but also as a topping for the tonkotsu ramen.
Summary
On this visit, I introduced Taiheiken, a tonkotsu ramen shop located in Yotsuya-Sanchome, Shinjuku City.
The shop was operated by two male staff members, and their service was energetic and welcoming.
Customers are not asked about noodle firmness when ordering, so if you have a preference, it is recommended to mention it when handing over your meal ticket.
Both the ajitama ramen and the tonkotsu shoyu ramen are priced under ¥1,000 and are delicious enough to make extra noodles almost mandatory.
If you are interested, I highly recommend visiting.
Shop Information
Name: Taiheiken
Address: 1F Hoshigaoka Building, 3-6 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Access: About 1 minute walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station
Hours:
Mon–Fri 11:30–14:00 / 18:00–20:00
Sat 11:30–14:00
Closed: Sundays & Public Holidays
Seats: 8 counter seats
Payment: Cash only (No cards, no electronic money)
Power Outlets: No
Wi-Fi: No
Smoking: No
Tabelog Score: 3.29 (as of March 2024)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/03/30/yotsuya-taiheiken/
