麺匠 川上

Mianjiang Chuan, located on Beimen Street, is a ramen shop with a clear style and positioning. It focuses on portion size and flavor intensity, exhibiting confidence in both the amount of food and the taste. The dining rhythm is brisk, and the clientele generally knows what they want to eat, minimizing the time spent hesitating.

First up is the “Super Special Hachiōji Ramen.” Being the "super special" version, the portion is indeed quite large, making a significant impression on anyone with a typical appetite. The broth follows a soy sauce route, with a noticeable saltiness that isn’t overwhelmingly salty; instead, it has a rich umami taste that makes it easy to drink, leading patrons to shout "salty" while still being unable to resist sipping it. The soft-boiled egg is perfectly cooked, with a smooth yolk and flavorful white, serving as a highly completed supporting character in the bowl of ramen. Unfortunately, the chashu is a bit disappointing, as it has a slightly tough texture and lacks the softness of fat, making it feel unbalanced compared to the thickness of the broth.

In contrast, the overall satisfaction with the “Jiro-style” ramen is even higher. The portion is truly astonishing, with impressive visual impact in terms of noodles, toppings, and overall height. The broth has a direct flavor, with oiliness and savory saltiness hitting the mark. However, the standout feature is the noodles—thick and chewy, providing a clear bite that can withstand the heavy flavors and large amounts of toppings, resulting in a very enjoyable experience. The overall structure is solid, making it a bowl of ramen that clearly knows what it is doing.

In conclusion, Mianjiang Chuan is a place worth trying if you enjoy eating until you are full and love rich flavors.