01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Stroll through the residential streets of Shimo-Igusa in Suginami Ward and you will come upon Ramen Taikei, where the hearty broth comes enriched with ample pork back fat. Standing before the ticket vending machine, diners often deliberate between two primary directions: the widely appreciated miso ramen and the rich tonkotsu shoyu (pork bone and soy sauce), which carries a mellow sweetness from the melted back fat. The miso bowl features a structured, lightly sweet soup paired with curly noodles that catch the broth nicely. By contrast, the rich tonkotsu shoyu layers an animal-stock depth beneath a blanket of back fat, coating hearty thick noodles without feeling heavy.
Once you have selected your base broth, toppings allow you to customize the profile to your liking. Adding butter and sweetcorn to the miso softens the savory saltiness with gentle richness and sweetness, deepening the soup. If you are in the mood for heat, spicy miso ramen and spicy rich tonkotsu shoyu are ready options; for added substance, generous slices of chashu roast pork, piled bean sprouts, or sliced scallions are dependable additions.
On the side, pan-fried gyoza are cooked crisp upon ordering, filled with seasoned minced pork and vegetables that bring out a natural sweetness—ideal alongside a bottled beer or a sour. Another satisfying ritual is ordering a side of steamed rice to enjoy with toppings soaked in the hearty soup. The shop centers around counter seating and operates on cash-only ticket orders. Running through daytime hours and remaining open until 3:45 the following morning, it serves as a reliable destination for an evening meal or late-night dining after work.
