Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku.
This time, I visited BUTAKIN Kabukicho, a newly opened Jiro-style ramen shop in the heart of Shinjuku’s nightlife district. Known for its hefty bowls and unique pulled-pork style chashu, it’s already gaining attention from ramen lovers and late-night diners alike.
A New Jiro-Style Spot in Shinjuku Kabukicho
BUTAKIN originally opened in Ochanomizu before moving to Kabukicho, officially reopening on July 1, 2025.
The shop is located along Hanamichi Street, near TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku, making it easy to find for both locals and visitors.
Inside, the restaurant has a clean, open atmosphere with 20 counter seats facing the kitchen. J-pop classics play in the background, creating a casual yet nostalgic vibe.
Menu Highlights at BUTAKIN
BUTAKIN offers both ramen and “soupless” bowls (汁なし), available in a variety of portion sizes:
- Mini Ramen (125g) – ¥1,200
- Small Ramen (250g) – ¥1,200
- Large Ramen (375g) – ¥1,300
- Mini Soupless with Raw Egg (125g) – ¥1,400
- Small Soupless with Raw Egg (250g) – ¥1,400
- Large Soupless with Raw Egg (375g) – ¥1,500
- Extra Large Soupless (500g) – ¥1,600
- Mini Chashu Bowl – ¥350
- Pork Fat Rice Bowl – ¥350
Plenty of toppings are also available, including fried garlic, onions, flavored eggs, seaweed, and garlic mayo. Jiro-style “call options” (for extra toppings like garlic, fat, or veggies) are clearly explained on signs, making it beginner-friendly.
What I Tried: Small Ramen, Soupless, and Chashu Bowl
This time, I ordered three items to get the full BUTAKIN experience:
Small Ramen (250g, ¥1,200)
Ordered with extra pork fat. The broth was lightly emulsified and slightly sweet rather than overpoweringly salty.
The thick, chewy noodles had just the right firmness, pairing well with the soup.
The signature pulled-pork style chashu stood out—tender, shredded pork mixed easily with noodles and vegetables. There were also block cuts of pork, offering a juicy, fatty bite. Personally, I found the block chashu more satisfying for texture and flavor.
Mini Soupless with Raw Egg (250g, ¥1,400)
Topped with fried onions, this dish delivered a direct punch of flavor since there was no broth. The raw egg helped mellow out the saltiness, and the chewy noodles mixed well with toppings.
Adding vinegar turned it into an oil-soba style dish, keeping it enjoyable until the last bite. The crisp bean sprouts added a fresh balance.
Mini Chashu Bowl (¥350)
This small rice bowl came topped with pulled-pork chashu, scallions, and a mayo-based sauce. The combination was rich and comforting, perfect as a side dish to the hefty ramen portions.
Final Thoughts
BUTAKIN Kabukicho is a must-visit for big eaters.
The pulled-pork style chashu may divide opinions, but it adds variety alongside the block chashu. The shop’s welcoming service—like offering paper aprons and pointing out the cooler seats—was also impressive.
Best of all, it’s open until 5:00 a.m., making it an ideal stop after a night out in Kabukicho.
If you’re looking for a hearty late-night ramen experience in Shinjuku, this is the place to try.
Shop Information
- Name: BUTAKIN Shinjuku Kabukicho
- Address: 1-11-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021
- Nearest Station: 5 minutes from Seibu Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 11:00 – 5:00 (next morning)
- Closed: None
- Seats: 20 counter seats
- Smoking: No
- Payment: Credit cards accepted (no e-money/QR payments)
- Tabelog Rating: 3.13 (as of August 2025)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:
👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/08/23/kabukicho-butakin-review/
