Chuka Soba Tomita has a massive reputation. Four times named Tokyo Ramen of the Year, it’s a legend among ramen heads — albeit more often spoken about than actually visited as it’s located in Chiba Prefecture, an hour out from central Tokyo.
Help is at hand for those living too far away, however, thanks to its (all Japanese) online store.
Tomita’s trademark is its tsukemen, with its chunky noodles and rich dipping sauce (¥2,400 for two servings), but the ramen is great, too (¥2,710; three servings). Both come with chāshū pork and trimmings included.
Since January, some special box sets have been added to the list, and they are the standouts. One features a superb new ise-ebi (spiny lobster) miso ramen (¥3,100 for three servings). Another is a mixed set, including the lobster ramen, the classic Tomita tsukemen, and a super-rich tonkotsu (pork bone) shoyu ramen made from local Tokyo X pigs (¥2,900 for one serving of each; ¥5,800 for two).
Premium noodles without traveling across town or needing to wait in line? You may never want to go back to your local noodle joint ever again.
Matsudo 1339, Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, 271-0092; 047-368-8860; www.tomita-cocoro.jp (in Japanese only); open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until the soup runs out); closed Wed.; ramen/tsukemen from ¥1,200; online shop and takeout available; nearest station Matsudo; nonsmoking; cash only; Japanese menu; little English spoken.