NAKANO: Fure-Tei... Japanese pancake/donut style junk food for the kids.

Before wandering to the wonderful world of small shops and a cool variety of tiny restaurant/bars that is Nakano you will notice Fure-Tei at the entrance of the Shotengai (open shopping mall/street).  I've always seen a line at this spot even during the few times I've visited Nakano.

Seems a few popular stars have stopped by for some sweets.

They have the traditional red bean filling but beyond that there is chocolate, custard creme, apple, mayo sausage, creme cheese etc...  It was definitely geared towards a younger crowd.

I went for the limited special Chocolate Cream filling for 120yen.

And there it is... stamped with a heart... Perhaps because it was White Day today.

Hmm... It won't impress you as my favorite Imakawa-Yaki Shop in Azabu Juban that beats this hands down in both flavor and texture but I guess its something kids would enjoy.  The batter was as soft as a pancake and the chocolate filling as creamy as pudding.

I won't be back but it just caught my eye and had to give it a try. 

Shop: Fure-Tei

Shop Website: http://www.heart-beat-nakano.com/shop/s48/48084.html

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131902/13050583/

Address J: 東京都中野区中野5-63-3

Address E: Tokyo, Nakano-ku, Nakano 5-63-3
MAP:

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NAKANO: Ramen Kaeru... wow... like amazing Ramen Jiro without the wait. So good!!

Off to Fujiya Camera in Nakano to see if I can find some used DSLR gear and decided to give very highly ranked Ramen Kaeru a try.  But what most attracted me to this spot is all the reviews calling it the place as "inspired by Ramen Jiro."

Ramen starts at 700yen... I went for the 800yen ramen that included a half boiled egg.

Just place this on the counter.

The ramen chef will ask you what toppings you want.  Free toppings are raw egg, garlic, extra fatty lard, extra onions and extra steamed vegetables.  Well after looking at my neighbors massive ramen reminiscent of Ramen Jiro's monster I went for the...

... 1/2 portion of steamed vegetables (yup, a full portion is gigantic!), garlic, extra fatty lard and Futo-men (thick noodles)... oh he'll ask if you want Hoso-men (think ramen noodles) or Futo-men.

A beauty!

The thick noodles were so chewy... its great to experience this texture.  And the soup cling to the noodles so very well...  Soup was a kinder version from that served at Ramen Jiro in Jinbocho but just as great.

Free bowl of Rice on the weekdays...

And the egg... It had a very nice sweet favor to it.  Recommend this.

A little NSYNC playing on the BGM...

24 hours later as I write this blog post and I'm seriously craving Ramen Kaeru again!  One of my best ramen discoveries yet and totally recommend it.  No lines and all the flavor of Ramen Jiro... oishiikatta!

Shop: Ramen Kaeru

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131902/13097621/

Address J: 東京都中野区中野5-56-11

Address E: Tokyo, Nakano-ku, Nakano 5-56-11
MAP:

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