OIZUMIGAKUEN: Chuka Soba (Ramen) KigaRa for perfection... wow 32 year old ramen owner chef makes an amazing bowl of Gyokai Ramen!! (iPhone 12 Mini)

I love ramen but attend to only try and eat it once in a while because its heavy on the carbs but on this day I was helping out a friend with some painting and he offered to take me out for some ramen lunch. We arrived to this hidden away ramen spot called KigaRa... think the Ra is for Ramen

Friend suggested I try the Gyokai (fish broth) Ramen 850 yen.

This is one of the most famous noodle makers in Tokyo that supplies so many ramen shops. 

Chef got a Trader Joes gift from his relative in the US.  I assumed he lived there.

Small table seating for only 6 people... I assume its due to social distancing.

Lots of great American hits on the BGM.

What a beauty!  A little portion of green veggies, purple onion and a slice of holy raddish?

The broth was my favorite heavy type that clings to the noodles... it was as good as it looked.  Absolutely loved this bowl and the noodles had a nice chewy texture.  We later talked to the chef and he was a very friendly younger guy... hope he expands to other areas in Tokyo! If  you dont mind the train ride and walk definitely go go!!

Restaurant: Chuka Soba Kigara (Kigala)

Restaurant J: 中華そば キガラ

Ramen Database: https://ramendb.supleks.jp/s/151574.html

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1321/A132103/13287353/

Address J: 東京都練馬区大泉学園町4-23-22

Address E: Tokyo, Nerima-ku, Oizumigakuen-cho 4-23-22

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LftumNASq3PUH1Jz8

ラーメン, 西武池袋線 大泉学園駅, 中華そば, 濃厚魚介そば, 醤油つけ麺 , 濃厚魚介つけ麺, Japan, Japanese, foodie, noodles, yelp, tokyobelly, iphone 12 mini, ramen, tsukemen, dipping noodles, oizumi gakuen, nerima, ikebukuro, 

OKINAWA NAHA: The friendliest Torikizoku in Japan! Plus the local Okinawan customers were so cool. I went twice!! (Sony RX100, iPhone 12 Mini)

The most amazing thing about Torikizoku is they dont charge that automatic Otoshi appetizer fee (300-500 yen) thats usually very junky... and of course the MEGA draft beers and Hi-Balls!

Ordering is by tablet but these menus sure are helpful.

Specials to support Japanese prefectures.

My goto dish! Chicken Nanban

Remember the free spices are available on the tablet menu.

Hmm... the onions and sauce was a bit  too chilled so the chicken quickly went to room temp.

This weekend was when all the 20 years old celebrated becoming an adult.  Group of 4 young Okinawan guys chatted me up.  And met 2 ladies on my left... one studied in the US for 2 years.  You never know who is bilingual in Japan. 

This place is incredibly spacious with very high ceilings.

Of course had to get the chicken soup with chicken rice bowl. 

But there was just a stick on Yakitori on top.  Hmm... I've had better.

And! Day 2! My Okinawan friend never ventured into Torikizoku.  There are only 2 shops in all of Okinawa and think they both opened in late 2023. 

Grilled chicken wings?

Chicken Katsu with a nice sweet mustardy sauce.

Now my friend who traveled all around Japan eating all kinds of rice explained to me how to properly eat this dish.  So... the waitress brings out this rice set and you let it sit for 30 minutes until the small fire burns out.  Then leave it alone for 5 minutes with top on.  THEN! Mix the rice, put in bowl and let it sit again for a few minutes.  DUDE... if you eat it right away then the rice can be a bit hard but if you follow these directions it becomes unusually fluffy and flavorful! 

FYI! All you can eat and drink for only 3600 yen per person but that means you need to at least eat and drink 10 items to break even! For sure the US Military Marines based in Okinawa could get their moneys worth.

Restaurant: Torikizoku Miebashi Branch

Restaurant J: 鳥貴族 美栄橋店

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/okinawa/A4701/A470101/47029872/

Homepage: https://map.torikizoku.co.jp/store/731

Address J: 沖縄県那覇市牧志2-18-4 パレット牧志ビル 1F

Address E: Okinawa, Naha-shi, Makishi 2-18-4

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qf8NafJ3XZmLhE8S6

美栄橋駅, 焼き鳥、鳥料理、居酒屋, Japan, Japanese, tokyo, foodie, okinawa,  naha, chicken, tokyobelly, yelp, cheap, dinner, bar, pub, beer, skewers, sony rx100 

OKINAWA NAHA: Gyoza No Mise (Gyoza Shop) Hana for their 1,000 yen senbelo tipsy plan with 5 gyoza dumplings! (iPhone 12 Mini)

 

I started this thing to go into 1 restaurant then ask the staff where they would recommend I go next... and the friendly Nepalese guys at one of my favorite spots suggested Gyoza Shop Hana.

My 1,000 yen plan!

A plan is 5 gyoza and 2 drinks

B plan is Pork Bun with 2 drinks

C Plan Raw Horse Sashimi with 2 drinks.

On the regular menu drinks are 330 yen and 440 yen.

I went for plan A! 

Gyozas were kinda round and as soon as I bit into it the juices squirted out all over my pants! FYI just eat the entire thing.  Tasty and the place was fully packed with mostly ladies.

Overall the Chinese staff was very friendly and let me sit at a small table even thought I was a solo diner.  There are a few counter seats.  Nice and dark... perhaps a great spot for a date.

Restaurant: Gyoza No Mise Hana (Gyoza Shop Hana)

Restaurant J: 餃子の店 華

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/okinawa/A4701/A470101/47024064/

Address J: 沖縄県那覇市牧志3-4-6

Address E: Okinawa, Naha, Makishi 3-4-6 3 

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ucGTXCt6U7W

牧志駅, せんべろ、なは、沖縄、Japan, Japanese, foodie, yelp, tokyobelly iphone 12 mini, bar, chinese, pot stickers, cheap, senbelo, tipsy,