Katsumoto (勝本) has legendary status in the Tokyo ramen world. They have 2 shops in Jimbocho / Kanda – one for tsukemen (dipping noodles), the other for ramen.
Katsumoto – Ramen Shop
Chukasoba Katsumoto (中華そば 勝本) specializes in chukasoba, or old-school, Tokyo style ramen. The ramen is classic without being boring.
![Katsumoto Ramen](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_0edd835814044014a4defc77fd62de40~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1815be_0edd835814044014a4defc77fd62de40~mv2.jpg)
It’s a simple yet delicious harmony of chicken and niboshi (dried fish) in a light soy sauce seasoning. Little bits of negi also sweeten the tangy broth. Black pepper is the recommended condiment and adding a bit stiffens the broth.
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If you order the egg, you’ll find it’s perfectly runny and the chashu pork is a perfect balance between soft and not to chewy.
They have a solid shio ramen as well. Changes in this lighter ramen include spinach, the top half of the bamboo shoot (hoksai), and thicker noodles.
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But the most unique addition is yellow morel mushroom confit. This is sitting pretty atop the rarer chashu pork shoulder.
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In summary, a partly modern, delicious take on classic Tokyo ramen.
Closest Station: Suidobashi
Katsumoto – Tsukemen Shop
Less than 15 minutes away on foot is their tsukemen shop, Tsukesoba Kanda Katsumoto (つけそば 神田勝本). It’s one of the best bowls of tsukemen in Tokyo.
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You uniquely get both thin and thick noodles, side by side. It’s a lot of fun to back and forth. The thin noodles are firm, dry and contain more water. While the thick noodles are softer, they still have nice springiness.
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Unlike the heavier and thicker tsukemen broths out there, Katsumoto focuses on a lighter one. There’s a silkiness from the chicken base that more than helps the broth coat the noodles. There’s a delicate fish aftertaste too.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c9032c_32716b850b7542a7865e1baccb095ad4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c9032c_32716b850b7542a7865e1baccb095ad4~mv2.jpg)
Like with their ramen, they utilize excellent pork chashu that melts in your mouth. In summary, a tsukemen that you won’t forget.
Closest Station: Jimbocho
Both ramen and tsukemen shops are amazing. If you have a hard time choosing between them, why not double up!
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