Menya Musashi: A One-Of-A-Kind Ramen Experience In Shinjuku

Menya Musashi - A Pioneer in Ramen Restaurants

Menya Musashi, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is a restaurant where diners can enjoy high-quality ramen in Japan.

This restaurant is known for being one of the earliest ramen shops during the ramen boom in Tokyo in the 80s and 90s to combine animal and fish-based broths. It is renowned for putting the highest care into creating truly mouthwatering, creative dishes.

On top of this, Menya Musashi is one of the first ramen restaurants to value customer satisfaction. During a time when most restaurants put little effort into the dining experience, Menya Musashi worked to create a pleasant restaurant atmosphere.

There is also extensive ramen selection that showcases the chefs' creativity, including limited edition, seasonal, and vegan ramen. In addition, it is easy for international travelers to visit as there is a multi-lingual menu and the restaurant is located conveniently close to Shinjuku Station.

Samurai Influence and Excellent Service

Menya Musashi in Shinjuku opened in 1998. It is the second location of the 15 Menya Musashi restaurants located in Tokyo. The shop's name is influenced by the from the famous samurai, Miyamoto Musashi.

Miyamoto Musashi (1584 - 1645) was active during the early Edo period and is known for teaching himself how to fight and for wielding two swords.

The owner of Menya Musashi, who learned cooking by himself and also mixing two different types of ramen broths, found this inspiring and named the restaurants after this influential warrior.

The ramen bowls at Menya Musashi feature the samurai Miyamoto Musashi on them.

Each restaurant is individually owned and has its own menu and unique flavor, making a visit a one-of-a-kind experience. The Menya Musashi in Shinjuku, in particular, is known for its limited-edition ramen and seasonal ramen.

Due to its high reputation and convenient location, it tends to get crowded during peak hours. To avoid lines, it is recommended to visit in between 15:00 and 18:00 or on rainy days.

Another standout feature of this restaurant is the dedication to customer service. In fact, Menya Musashi was one of the earliest ramen restaurants in Tokyo to consider diner's comfort and satisfaction.

When customers step into the restaurant, they are greeted by a cozy interior, relaxing music, and an open kitchen where the cooks prepare the orders. The slightly higher price of the ramen here includes the special dining experience you get when you step in the door.

Ordering at Menya Musashi

Ordering your meal at Menya Musashi is simple, as there is a digital ticket vending machine by the entrance. It is multilingual, with English, Chinese, and Korean. Some of the staff members can also speak simple English and Chinese if you have any questions.

When ordering you ramen, you can also modify the noodle amount and the thickness of them, too. There are also additional toppings you can request to create the ramen ideal for you. Drinks that pair well with noodles, including beer, soft drinks, and iced oolong tea are also on the menu.

After putting in your order, take a seat at the counter and watch your ramen being made. It's entertaining to watch the chefs preparing the noodles and placing the toppings on the nearly-finished soup.

While you wait, make sure to take in the little details of the restaurant. There are a number of samurai-inspired designs, like the chopsticks holder.

The walls are also covered in antique signs from the Showa era. This provides visitors with a taste of old Japan and adds a comforting, nostalgic element to the restaurant.

Musashi Ramen - A Classic Choice

Shoyu Musashi Ramen. Picture from 10 Fantastic Shinjuku Ramen Shops Recommended By A Ramen Enthusiast!

One of the most popular choices is the Musashi Ramen (1,150 yen including tax). You can choose from shoyu (soy sauce) and miso broth. The broth is a unique Japanese-style soup with a hearty flavor that is not too heavy. Menya Musashi's noodles are prepared carefully to bring out their flavor and delectable texture.

Miso Musashi Ramen. Picture courtesy of Menya Musashi Shinjuku

Both types come with toppings include high-quality char siu pork, nori seaweed, and a flavored egg. If you are looking to try one of Menya Musashi's signature dishes, it is suggested that you order this.

Musashi Tsukemen

Picture courtesy of Menya Musashi Shinjuku
Another recommended ramen is the brothless Musashi Tsukemen (1,150 yen including tax). Tsukemen is a type of ramen where the noodles, char siu, and other toppings are served with a flavorful dipping soup. The noodles are slightly thick and have a delicious texture, making it a satisfying choice if you are feeling particularly hungry.

The dipping sauce is refreshing and has a hearty taste. It is topped with fresh negi (green onions) that add a fresh element to the dish. You can dip the noodles into this soup however you like--try different ratios of the soup and noodles to find your favorite taste.

Vegan Miso Ramen

The Shinjuku branch used to provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly option on its menu. Along with other limited and seasonal choices, the variety of vegan ramen available changes throughout the year.

Pictured above is the Vegan Miso Ramen (1,080 yen including tax). It comes with fu, a type of wheat gluten, and soy meat, instead of pork.

The vegetarian and vegan options of Menya Musashi are now offered at their Roppongi location, Menya Musashi Kosho.

The noodles are thick and the soup is full of flavor. The chefs actively try to make the vegan ramen as flavorful and exquisite as the other ramen with animal and fish products, so that even customers who eat dishes with meat and fish can enjoy it.

Try the Extra Toppings!

There are a couple of condiments on the counter customers can use, including spices and a special konbu (kelp) vinegar you can use to add a refreshing flavor to your meal. Part of the fun of eating ramen is experimenting with different additions and finding out what you like to taste best.

A Memorable and Delicious Ramen Experience

Situated in the heart of bustling Shinjuku, Menya Musashi is a ramen restaurant you shouldn't miss out on when you are in Tokyo. In addition to the exquisite ramen, visiting here is also a chance to relax, and encounter part of Tokyo's ramen world with the shop's history.

From the samurai-inspired interior to your first sip of the delectable soup, you will surely be sent to ramen heaven and have an unforgettable meal.

Menya Musashi

〒160-0023 7-2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nishi-Shinjuku K-1...

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Made in cooperation with Menya Musashi