My friend and I had originally planned to visit a well-known udon spot in Shinjuku, but with a wait time of over two hours, we decided to wander the neighborhood instead in search of something else. That’s when we stumbled upon Ramen Shiina—a modest chicken ramen shop that was simple, clean, with friendly staff and prompt service.

The menu offers four main options: shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), a rich, thick chicken broth, and dry noodles served with a dipping sauce.

We didn’t expect much at first—but from the very first sip, we were blown away. It easily ranks among the best ramen I’ve had. I ordered the thick chicken soup, while my friend chose the shoyu. We asked for our noodles to be cooked a little softer than al dente, and they came out perfectly to our liking.

The shoyu broth was light yet deeply savory, layered with umami. The thick chicken soup, on the other hand, was rich and creamy with a depth of flavor that lingered in the best way. Both bowls were incredibly satisfying. The chicken was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a subtle hint of smokiness. The dumplings were the perfect finishing touch—well-seasoned, juicy, and comforting.

A hidden gem we almost overlooked, but one we’ll definitely be coming back to.

Ramen Shiina

Japan, 〒160-0004 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yotsuya, 4 Chome−30−15 市川ビル 1F