01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
A rich cloud of fragrant miso steam drifts up from beneath a towering pile of finely shredded leeks. At Kenchan Ramen in Setagaya Ward's Sakuragaoka neighborhood, this signature combination—ordered as negi miso or negi miso chashu—has long been a local favorite. The brisk crunch and gentle heat of the leeks, paired with stir-fried bean sprouts and garlic chives, integrate seamlessly into a balanced, savory miso broth that practically calls for a side of white rice. Submerge the thick-cut chashu slices in the hot broth before taking a bite, and the pork turns tender and deeply flavorful, elevating the bowl into something exceptionally satisfying.
The menu extends well beyond miso broth. Options range from a clean, understated shoyu ramen to a nutty, aromatic neri goma sesame bowl, thick starchy ankake ramen, and various dippingつけ麺 (tsukemen). The shoyu broth offers an unpretentious, comforting simplicity, customizable with added pork back fat (kotteri) for extra richness or a spoonful of table garlic for an added punch.
Alongside the noodles, the pan-fried gyoza are hard to pass up, crisped along the bottoms and filled tightly with a vegetable-forward filling that retains a lively texture. They are served as a half portion of 3 or a full plate of 5, and can be enjoyed during lunch as part of a set meal accompanied by rice and pickles. For a more leisurely visit, a spread of fragrant fried rice, leek-strewn chashu, or stir-fried chives and bean sprouts pairs naturally with a cold beer or a canned chuhai.
Counter seating and tables accommodate both swift solo diners and relaxed evening meals without fuss. Orders are placed directly with the staff, and payment is accepted in cash or via PayPay. Whether stopping by for a filling lunch or refuelling after work, Kenchan Ramen remains a dependable neighborhood standby.
