Hidden Restaurant! Rich & Syrupy Miso Ramen for Big Eaters

Exit the Waseda side of Takadanobaba station and walk seven minutes towards Nakano.

There is no sign, so be careful not to walk by the hidden but popular ramen shop!

Its name is… Kururi!!!

Here you can enjoy the thick and syrupy miso ramen, especially popular among young people.

The ramen they serve here is pretty substantial, but I often do see a lot of slim female customers.

It is a rather small place, with only seven seats by the counter. There is always a big waiting line on holidays, even on rainy or cold days.

I went over to the ticket vending machine* to order.
*Ramen shops usually have machines by the entrance, where you chose and pay for your dish, in exchange of a ticket to give to the staff.

The menus here are simple: Miso Ramen, Kara-Miso (spicy miso) Ramen and Miso Tsukemen (chilled noodles with separate hot dipping sauce).

I would recommend Kara-Miso Ramen if you’re okay with spicy food.

And that is exactly what I ordered this time, just like all the previous times.

You can order a bigger portion for free, but I’m warning you, it’s pretty huge!!

The customers sit side by side in the crowded shop.

There are only two staff members!

But they are very coordinated, and the ramen is ready in no time!

Before the ramen is served, the staff will ask you if you want rice to go with it. I declined the offer, but go for it if you’re super extra hungry! According to the staff, the rich soup and rice make a great combo.

And here comes the ramen!

Look how big it is!!! I’ve been here many times, and yet, the quantity never fails to impress me.

The toppings are negi (onion), menma (seasoned bamboo), chashu (sliced roasted pork) and lots of bean sprouts.

The diced chashu is soft and sooo yummy!

The red ball on top is what makes it spicy. I always mix it bit by bit with the soup. Be careful not to mix it all at once because it’s extremely spicy!!!

The extra thick wavy noodles are the best possible kind to go with a rich soup like this.

The thick miso soup is almost like pasta sauce!!

Once in a while, I get a craving for this heavy ramen.

I’m halfway there but am already pretty full. I break a little bit more of the hot spice. The spiciness helps me keep going.

Sadly, I always give up in the middle… I have yet to complete one entire bowl!

Kururi has a unique method to prepare their soup: they cook the vegetables and soup together in one big pot. This allows the soup to absorb the different vegetable flavors, and to ultimately create their signature rich miso ramen.

Definitely recommended to big eaters, looking for a substantial and satisfying meal!

writer：Tanna