01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
At Taiwa Ramen on a neighborhood corner in Higashi-Nippori, the shrimp-tonkotsu salt ramen is what brings in many first-time diners. Combining a rich pork-bone stock with the toasted aroma of shrimp, the soup clings nicely to thin noodles, delivering a pronounced seafood essence with each mouthful. Seared chashu pork adds substance without leaving the bowl feeling overly greasy.
The noodle menu reaches well beyond that specialty. Guests can order Jigoku rich spicy ramen with numbing Sichuan pepper, spicy miso noodles, mellow abura soba, or a rich seafood-tonkotsu dipping ramen served with an extra-large portion of broth. Diners often round out a bowl with a half-portion of fried rice, scallion chashu rice, pan-fried shrimp gyoza, or pork-and-vegetable dumplings.
Taiwa Ramen also doubles effectively as an informal watering hole thanks to its breadth of side dishes. The kitchen turns out freshly rolled omelets in several styles—including varieties filled with scallions, fresh seaweed, or chili peppers—alongside boiled dumplings, braised beef or pork tripe, and fried octopus. Many visitors drop by after work to pair these small dishes with draft beer or sours.
Operating continuously from 11:00 to 23:00, the shop works equally well for midday lunches, late solo dinners, or casual gatherings. Payment is cash only, so having bills on hand before stopping in is recommended.
