製麺 rabo: humble beauty

A shop with only a little signage outside and a single counter, rabo is another great example of a mom and pop shop serving high-quality ramen in nondescript settings. The master warns you when you come in not to have high expectations, maybe because the shop has been hyped up by magazines and Japanese blogs.

Rabo serves three types of ramen, but even the master says to get the chuka soba.

Chuka soba with flavored egg (800yen)

A shoyu blend, the chicken stock really shines in this one. The master coaxes flavor out of the bird's bones without resorting to too much chicken oil. The result is a light and mild soup full of rich chicken succulence. 

The ramen, a tonkotsu-gyokai blend with a golden hue, is reminiscent of Hayashi, though unfortunately much saltier. 

Ramen (700yen)

One notable thing about all the bowls are the homemade noodles, cut differently to match the style of the soup. Both bowls are fresh and exquisite.

700 yen for bowls with this quality always feels like we're getting away with petty theft. Temper your expectations, but the chuka soba won't disappoint.

Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Honmachi 4-13-10

Closest stn: Nishi-Shinjuku 5-chome

Open from 1130am-3pm and 530-10pm

Hearts