Visiting "Menba Tadokoro Shoten": A Dedicated Miso Ramen Specialty Shop!
To keep my Alfa Romeo 156 GTA in top driving condition, I took it out for a spin and visited "Menba Tadokoro Shoten," a miso ramen specialty restaurant I had been curious about for a while.
Upon entering the shop, the first thing that caught my eye was the "Miso Shrine" complete with a prominent red torii gate. It even enshrines an authentic fermentation stone used for Hatcho miso around 380 years ago, demonstrating their extraordinary passion for miso right from the doorstep. Their menu features regional miso varieties from all across Japan, including Hokkaido miso, Shinshu miso, and Kyushu barley miso. The freedom to pick your broth based on regional styles is truly refreshing. After weighing my options, I decided to go with the classic Hokkaido miso.
Tasting the Rich "Hokkaido Miso Ramen" and Rustic "Miso Fried Rice"
I ordered the "Hokkaido Miso Ramen" (913 yen incl. tax), along with a side order of "Miso Fried Rice (Medium)" (495 yen incl. tax), since I wasn't sure when I'd have the chance to visit again.
When the Hokkaido Miso Ramen arrived, it revealed a deep reddish broth topped with bean sprouts, seasoned minced pork (niku miso), and skin-on potato wedges—a fitting nod to Hokkaido's local produce.
Taking a sip of the soup, the red-miso base offered a gentle touch of piquancy, followed by a robust, deep richness and a hearty punch of saltiness. It has an unapologetically bold, full-bodied profile that miso ramen aficionados will love. The noodles are chewy with a satisfying bounce, holding their own against the heavy broth. Personally, it was a flavor combination right up my alley.
Meanwhile, the miso fried rice was light, fluffy, and stir-fried with an appetizing aroma. Compared to the punchy, intense ramen broth, the miso flavor in the fried rice was pleasantly understated—just a mild, savory whisper of miso. While it is very easy to eat, anyone expecting an intense burst of miso might find it surprisingly mellow. That said, alternating between spoonfuls of the milder rice and sips of the punchy soup created an ideal flavor balance.
【Summary】 A Must-Visit Haven for Miso Enthusiasts
For anyone craving a punchy, deeply flavored bowl of miso ramen, this place hits the bullseye. With several other varieties available—such as the sweeter Kyushu barley miso and the semi-spicy Shinshu miso—comparing how each region crafts its miso sounds like an appetizing culinary journey.
The route was also the perfect driving distance for my car, so I look forward to taking another road trip to sample their other regional miso styles while keeping the engine happy.