Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from the Shinjuku local media site Daily Shinjuku.
Today, I visited Menya Sarusuberi, a ramen and tsukemen specialty shop located in Shinjuku Sanchome. The restaurant is especially known for opening as early as 7 AM on weekdays, making it a rare spot for enjoying “morning ramen.”
Menya Sarusuberi Opens from 7 AM
Located in the basement floor (B2) of the Keio Frente building in Shinjuku Sanchome, Menya Sarusuberi is a specialty shop serving ramen and tsukemen.
It is conveniently accessible from both Shinjuku Sanchome Station and Shinjuku Station through underground pathways.
What makes this shop unique is its early weekday opening hours—starting from 7:00 AM—allowing customers to enjoy “morning ramen.” On weekends, the shop opens from 11:00 AM.
Inside the Restaurant
The interior of Menya Sarusuberi consists of 11 counter seats.
When I visited around 8 PM on a weekend, the restaurant was completely full, with seats quickly filling up as soon as they were vacated.
Upon entering, diners purchase meal tickets from a vending machine.
Sample Menu (Partial)
- Special Niboshi Tsukemen – 1,250 yen
- Light Salt Tsukemen – 950 yen
- Rich Niboshi Tsukemen – 950 yen
- Spicy Rich Tsukemen – 1,000 yen
- Rich Chicken & Pork Tantanmen – 1,000 yen
- Special Niboshi Ramen (Shoyu/Salt) – 1,250 yen
- Asari Salt Ramen – 980 yen
- Limited Cold Maze Soba – 1,000 yen
Tasting the “Special Niboshi Shoyu Ramen” and “Maze Soba”
This time, I tried two dishes:
Special Niboshi Shoyu Ramen – 1,250 yen
The broth was clear, with a well-balanced niboshi (dried sardine) flavor that was not overpowering.
The thin straight noodles, made with whole wheat flour, had a pleasant firmness.
The toppings were generous: four types of chashu (chicken, pork, and rare cuts), bamboo shoots, green onions, chopped onions, seaweed, spinach, and a seasoned soft-boiled egg. The chopped onion in particular added a refreshing accent that kept the flavor enjoyable until the very end.
Maze Soba – 950 yen
The maze soba featured thicker, springy noodles compared to the niboshi ramen.
After mixing thoroughly, a squeeze of lemon brightened the flavor. The garlic chips and onion provided a crunchy accent.
The slightly rich flavor from the doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) was balanced out by the lemon, making the overall taste refreshing and light.
Summary
Menya Sarusuberi in Shinjuku Sanchome is a lively ramen shop that stays busy throughout the day. With its early morning opening hours, diverse tsukemen menu, and signature niboshi-based ramen, it offers something unique for ramen enthusiasts.
If you’re near Shinjuku, this is definitely a spot worth visiting.
Shop Information
- Name: Menya Sarusuberi
- Address: 3-4-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Keio Frente B2F
- Nearest Station: 1 min walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station
- Hours: Weekdays 7:00–23:00 / Weekends 11:00–23:00
- Closed: January 1st
- Seats: 11 (counter only)
- Payment: Cash only (no cards or e-money)
- Facilities: No Wi-Fi, no outlets, non-smoking
- Tabelog Rating: 3.68
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku: https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/09/01/sarusuberi-shinjuku-ramen/
