In the case of ramen, there are numerous tastes and regional variations whether or not or not it’s shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), tonkotsu (pork bone broth) in Kyushu or miso ramen which is served up in Hokkaido. On high of that come the loopy novelty ones which embrace issues like cheese, espresso, ice-cream, tequila, kiwi, ham, lemon, pineapple, sake and so forth. The sort of issues that the true ramen masters would most positively flip their nostril up at!
Apart from the soup itself the chashu meat and egg are two of my favorite elements of any ramen dish however how would I fare at consuming vegetarian ramen with out both of these components? Method again in December as Christmas Day was quick approaching, my spouse and I ended off for some meals in Ikebukuro station en-route to do one thing extra festive associated if I might be so obscure! The place I selected was a vegetarian ramen restaurant which in itself is kind of a uncommon factor in Japan (therefore the explanation for writing about it right here!) as it is vitally a lot a meat and fish-eating nation. In all my years of residing in Tokyo I believe I’ve solely ever met one or two Japanese vegetarians!
On coming into the cosy T’s Tantan retailer, there’s a machine on the left the place you buy (even bank cards can be utilized!) the little tickets for the dish you require which you later acquire your self from the counter when it’s prepared. It’s a reasonably easy process and one that’s most typical in Japan. Photos of the dish are additionally proven on display which is a good assist while you’re unsure what something is! For the document, this restaurant is situated inside the gated a part of the JR station (reverse Uniqlo) so it is vitally a lot for commuters.
The menu options dishes like golden sesame tantan, white sesame tantan, black sesame tantan, soupless tantan, Japanese yuzu ramen, plus rotating seasonal objects and a few aspect dishes like rice, gyoza, coriander and vegan cheese. No fish, meat, egg or milk is utilized in any of the merchandise, and the tantan noodles (also referred to as dandan noodles) are made with pure plant-based components.
My spouse ordered the golden sesame tantan while (after a lot hesitation!) I selected the black sesame tantan. The previous was much more yellow than we had been execting with some crispy fried daizu meat within the centre surrounded by inexperienced greens as you would possibly anticipate for such a spot.
In fact I’ve eaten (and loved) some vegetarian meals earlier than however I did surprise what it could be like with no meat and egg in it. I’ve to say I used to be most shocked by how good it tasted. You may nonetheless really feel the richness of the soup with out the same old components which make ramen such a well-liked dish with locals and guests alike.
T’s Tantan has been formally recognised by some vegan organisation of be aware, and is a good pit-stop for anybody passing by one in all Tokyo’s busiest stations with restricted time. It’s a place for Vegans and non-vegans to take pleasure in, and I’d fortunately return to have it once more (and even pattern one other dish) as I loved all the things concerning the expertise, Effectively virtually all the things! Sadly the value will in all probability put me off as one doesn’t need to spend over ¥1000 ($7.50/£6) on a dish which is commonly out there for much less in Japan.
- Common readers could have a slight sense of deja vu as this ramen restaurant did function very briefly within the annual Tokyo Fox ‘Christmas 2022 in Tokyo‘ submit.
With the vacation season underway (and many excessive calorie meals on the menu within the days forward!) I had good intentions to eat one thing barely extra wholesome however we had been nonetheless hungry afterward that evening so succumbed to the Golden Arches!!
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