[Hot topic in Sendai] What is the answer found by a restaurant owner who trained at eight restaurants in four years?

• Table of Contents
• The journey to opening AWARE
• Access via AWARE
• What is the shop's recommended "SiroSyouyu Ramen"?
• Overseas Recognition
• Ordering Method and Manners
• A word from the owner, Tsuyoshi Ito
• Participating in LIVEAZUMA2024 10/19-20

The journey to opening AWARE

Owner Ito first opened a store in a rented space in Shimokitazawa. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no big announcement and there were days when there were no customers. There were many times when the soup and ingredients that he had worked so hard to prepare went to waste, which he recalls as the most difficult part. When asked why he worked at eight stores in four years, Owner Ito said, "It was because I wanted to gain experience that would allow me to meet a variety of needs."
Working in different environments, such as a store in a shopping district, in Ginza, in a station building, a small store with only a counter, and a large store with many tables, he learned that the speed and needs required in each location are different.

Origin of the store name

We want to make a bowl of ramen that makes people who eat it think, "Oh, that ramen (shop) was really good." When we tried to put this feeling into words, the word that fit best was "AWARE." We made it the name of our shop as a declaration of our determination.

Access via AWARE

1 minute walk from the city bus stop "Nankoudai 1-chome" Approx. 18 minutes walk or 4 minutes by car from East Exit 1 of Asahigaoka Station on the Namboku Subway Line. Approx. 20 minutes walk or 3 minutes by car from Daihara Station on the Namboku Subway Line.

Feel the change of seasons in Sendai, the city of trees...

Sendai, the city of trees, has many spots where you can experience the changing seasons. I think it's a good idea to travel to Sendai and enjoy each of the four seasons at each famous spot. You can enjoy spectacular views in each season at places like Saihoji Temple, Nishi Park, and Futakuchi Valley. You can also enjoy the weeping cherry blossoms at Tsutsumioka Tenmangu Shrine in spring and the fireworks at the Tanabata Festival in summer.

From the left, Jogi Nyorai in a snowy landscape at Saihoji Temple in winter, cherry blossoms at Nishi Park, autumn leaves at Nishi Park, fresh greenery on the Hirose River, and the Nikuchi Valley in autumn / Photos provided by the Sendai Tourism and International Association

From the top left: Dawn seen from Aoba Castle, night view of Sendai city, fireworks from the Tanabata Festival, cherry blossoms at Tsutsumioka Tenmangu Shrine, Sendai Daikannon / Photos provided by: Sendai Tourism and International Association

You can enjoy spectacular views such as the sunrise from Aoba Castle and the night view of Sendai city in just one day, and there are plenty of sights to see such as the Hirose River and Sendai Daikannon. Why not enjoy a seasonal trip to Sendai with some ramen?

What is the shop's recommended "SiroSyouyu Ramen"?

A light, refreshing SiroSyouyu ramen. This may be a one-of-a-kind taste. It combines the richness and fullness of various ingredients, and the subtle off-flavors are refreshing without being cloying, making the most of the soy sauce's characteristics for a well-balanced bowl. This may be a masterpiece that allows you to feel something new yet nostalgic. This ramen is the perfect example of the word "sinking through."

Attention to detail in soup

The soup is based on a clear broth made from animal ingredients such as chicken bones and dried seafood such as bonito flakes and kelp. It is characterized by a double soup made by adding SiroSyouyu, and chicken oil gives the soup depth. It is popular for its light, permeating taste that can be enjoyed even by those who do not like animal oils. The broth is well-balanced to make the most of the characteristics (sharpness and sweetness) of the main ingredient, soy sauce.

The appeal of SiroSyouyu

The SiroSyouyu sauce used has a mellow and gentle flavor. It's not flashy, but the beautiful flavor spreads throughout the soup, making it so delicious that you won't be able to stop eating it.

The taste changes over time, which is interesting.

As time passes, the flavor of the fried onions floating on the surface of the soup gradually permeates the soup, and the flavor profile becomes clearer. The more you taste it, the more delicious it becomes, and the flavor is designed to get stronger as it progresses.

Noodle selection

You can choose between thin noodles and hand-kneaded noodles. We recommend thin noodles for soy sauce ramen and hand-kneaded noodles for SiroSyouyu Ramen.

Balance of ingredients

The toppings include tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork, bamboo shoots, shredded spring onions, green vegetables, mitsuba (Japanese parsley), and fried onions. These ingredients blend perfectly with the soup, enhancing the ramen's overall perfection.

Overseas Recognition

It is especially popular with people from Europe and China. It is an easy-to-eat ramen even for people who don't like animal fats. In particular, the owner has a fond memory of an episode where a soccer player from Europe, who hated ramen, enjoyed the SiroSyouyu Ramen.

Ordering Method and Manners

Here we will introduce how to order and proper etiquette.

How to line up and points to note

When there is a line in front of a store, you will have to wait in line. There are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.

1. Line up at the end of the line.
2. Line up after everyone has arrived.
3. Don't cut in line.
4. Don't block the entrances of other shops or homes.
5. Don't spread out too far onto the road. Line up in a straight line.
Follow the rules to ensure everyone can have a pleasant time.

How to order

There are two main ways to order at ramen restaurants in Japan: buying a ticket from a machine called a ticket vending machine, or looking at the menu and ordering verbally.
At AWARE, you buy a meal ticket from the ticket vending machine.
Payment method is cash only.
After buying a meal ticket from the ticket vending machine, you will be guided to your seat, so please take a seat.
A staff member will come to your seat and confirm your order.

A word from the owner, Tsuyoshi Ito

Using local Miyagi ingredients, we aim to create unique flavors that cannot be found in Tokyo. If you are in Miyagi, please come and visit us! Having gained a variety of experiences at eight restaurants in four years, we have aimed to grow in different environments. Influenced by the French chef's diverse experiences abroad, we have sought the shortest route to growth and have continued to run at full speed.
Once we have established a system for staff training, we would like to try our hand at overseas business. We look forward to welcoming you.

Business hours and holidays

[Opening hours] Sundays and holidays 11:00-15:00, Tuesdays-Thursdays 17:00-22:00 [Shop closed] Mondays, 2nd and 4th Sundays

Participating in LIVEAZUMA2024 10/19-20

AWARE, a famous ramen shop in Sendai City, is a ramen shop that attracts diners with its beautiful noodles. The owner, who has experience working at a famous shop in Tokyo, returned to his hometown and contributed to the development of Tohoku ramen. It is also said to be the shop closest to a Michelin star in Miyagi Prefecture. The double soup, made with seafood stock such as dried sardines and bonito flakes and Miyagi's parent chicken, has a taste that gently seeps into the body. The noodles are made with thin straight noodles made exclusively by Sugano Seimenjo. The owner is enthusiastic, saying, "Even at an outdoor festival, we value the harmony between the noodles and the soup, and we have put a lot of effort into making it enjoyable for those who are attending for both days." A "special wonton" that adds a variety of textures and flavors to the ramen will also be available exclusively at the event. Please enjoy a special bowl of AWARE, which is highly rated by ramen lovers.