Tokyo’s ramen scene is highly competitive, with competing shops often right next door to each other, and it takes something special to stand out from the rest. Well, the first thing you’ll notice about Gancon Noodle is the groovy signage that gives off a Cowboy Bebop and Afro Samurai vibe.
Once it’s got your attention, inside it’s a lot more ordinary, with the usual counter-style seating and a ticket machine to place your orders. But the ramen is anything but. Their chashu (pork slices) is chunky and juicy, unlike the thin slices you’d usually get at a regular ramen shop.
Shiori tried the shrimp-based soup ramen, while I went for shoyu (soy sauce), my favorite. Both were really good – the noodles thin and springy, and the broth flavorful with just the right amount of umami. Definitely one of the better ramen we’ve had in Tokyo. We also shared a side chashu-don (pork rice bowl), which blew us away. Great value overall.
We came on a cold Saturday evening and left warm and satisfied. But if you’re here during the day, after you’ve fed your tummy, how about a scenic walk in the nearby Rikugien park (open 9am-5pm daily, 300 Yen per entry) to feast your eyes?
WOW
“The ramen here is fantastic, but for us, the chashu-don with its delicious, melt-in-your-mouth slices of char-grilled pork is worth the trip alone.”
INFO
Address
1-3-3 Itabashi Building 1F, Nakazato, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Get there
Komagome Station (Yamanote and Tokyo Metro Nanboku lines)
From the Yamanote line, take the East exit and turn right
From the Nanboku line, take Exit 3
Hours
11.00am – 9.00pm daily (Closed on Mondays and the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month)
Budget
700 – 2,000 Yen
Website
kitanet.easymyweb.jp/member/gancon/
Map
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