Ecchan Ramen in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, is open 24 hours a day, serving “chan-lei” style ramen—an elevated take on classic Tokyo ramen.
Ecchan Ramen - The Choices
Like many other chan-lei ramen shops in Tokyo, Ecchan keeps the menu simple. You have three choices: chuukasoba (the signature dish), karami chukka (a spicy version), and mori chukka (dipping ramen). Let’s dive into each below!
Chuukasoba - The Best Starting Point
If it’s your first visit, chuukasoba is the way to go. The broth is steered by two types of soy sauce—one white, one dark—creating a light, almost salt-like seasoning.
This delicate seasoning supports a broth made from pork trotters, chicken skin, and garlic. It’s light yet hearty, with a rich, syrupy depth from the chicken and pork.
Karami Chuuka - Turn Up the Heat
For those craving spice, the lava-colored Karami Chuuka is the perfect choice. You can choose your spice level from 1 to 5, and unlike a lot of places in Japan, Ecchan takes spice seriously. At level 3 and above, the heat intensifies, making it harder to pick out the individual flavors in the broth.
The soy sauce seasoning fades into the background, overtaken by their homemade chili blend, which has a nutty flavor from sesame seeds. Be warned—level 5 is no joke!
Mori Chuuka - Chuukasoba Deconstructed
Dipping ramen dates back to the 1950s in Tokyo, and Ecchan’s Mori Chuuka pays homage to this older style. The broth is thinner than the rich, modern dipping soups, resembling a more concentrated version of the Chuukasoba broth.
This allows you to better appreciate the medium-thick, flat noodles in this format. The toppings stay consistent across all three ramen options—pork belly, pork arm, spring onions, and bamboo shoots.
Conclusion
Ecchan Ramen may keep its menu simple, but each dish offers a unique take on classic Tokyo-style ramen. Whether you’re enjoying the balanced flavors of Chuukasoba, turning up the heat with Karami Chuuka, or savoring the nostalgic charm of Mori Chuuka, Ecchan delivers a satisfying experience around the clock.
For those in Kabukicho looking for a no-frills, flavorful ramen fix—day or night—Ecchan is the perfect stop.
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