WHAT WE ATE
- Rich Shoyu Ramen – 80/100, Sano
- Shio Ramen – 75/100, Sano
Shimadaya is among the numerous Sano ramen establishments that proudly uphold the traditional art of noodle-making, crafting each strand by hand with the aid of their faithful green bamboo. However, what sets Shimadaya apart is the distinct appearance and texture of their noodles, adding an intriguing element to any visit.
In addition to their dedication to traditional techniques, Shimadaya places a strong emphasis on using domestically sourced ingredients. Their gyoza, in particular, stands out for its generous size and delectable flavor. Moreover, the ambiance of the place is vibrant and welcoming, further enhancing the overall dining experience.
Rich Shoyu Ramen – 80/100
Noodle: 35/35
Setting itself apart from other Sano ramen varieties, the noodles in the Rich Shoyu Ramen exhibit a medium thickness with a noticeably thicker and more rounded profile. Their irregular twisted shape adds to their unique character. With a firmer and denser texture compared to traditional Sano noodles, they offer a satisfyingly snappy bite, accompanied by a pleasant earthy wheat taste.
Soup: 25/35
Upon the initial slurp, the soup reveals a distinctive aromatic Shoyu essence, culminating in a lingering sweet aftertaste. However, the robust Shoyu flavor can become overwhelming over time, necessitating breaks with other toppings or sips of water to mitigate its intensity. Additionally, the high salt concentration, as indicated by the brix meter, poses a challenge for those sensitive to saltiness, potentially leading to a sensation of a “fluffy tongue.”
Meat: 15/20
The chashu is soft but not the melt-in-your-mouth kind of experience. However, it features a chewy gelatin texture in the fatty parts, adding an interesting dimension to its texture. Cut diagonally across the grain, the meat offers a firmer bite, complemented by a well-balanced marination that enhances its savory and sweet flavors while masking any meaty odors.
Topping: 5/10
The bamboo shoots present a mixed bag, with some being dried out and challenging to chew, while others retain a pleasing crunchiness. The braised eggs boast a unique caramel-like taste, accompanied by a gooey egg yolk. Additional toppings include green onions, spinach, and a slice of fish cake, contributing to the overall texture and flavor profile of the dish.
Overall, the Rich Shoyu Ramen offers a departure from traditional Sano ramen varieties, with its unique noodle texture, robust Shoyu flavor, and well-marinated chashu. However, inconsistencies in the bamboo shoots and mixed reception of the soup’s intensity may detract from the overall dining experience.
Shio Ramen – 75/100
Noodle: 35/35
Utilizing the same noodles as its counterparts, the Shio Ramen features medium-thick noodles with a noticeably rounded profile and irregular twisted shape. Their firm and dense texture provides a satisfyingly snappy bite, complemented by a pleasant earthy wheat taste that sets them apart from traditional Sano noodles.
Soup: 20/35
The soup boasts a light, clean, and crisp chicken flavor, with prominent sweetness that lingers throughout the meal. However, its tendency to flatten quickly due to the lack of layering detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, as the soup is relatively light, a distinctive Kansui taste begins to emerge as the noodles sit in the soup for extended periods, impacting the broth’s depth of flavor.
Meat: 15/20
Featuring the same tender chashu as its counterparts, the meat offers a chewy gelatin texture in the fatty parts, adding complexity to its profile. Cut diagonally across the grain, the meat provides a firmer bite, enhanced by a well-balanced marination that elevates its savory and sweet flavors while masking any undesirable meaty odors.
Topping: 5/10
Similar to other variations, the toppings present a mixed bag. While some bamboo shoots offer pleasing crunchiness, others are dried out and challenging to chew. The braised eggs boast a unique caramel-like taste with a gooey egg yolk, contributing to the overall texture and flavor profile of the dish. Additional toppings include green onions, spinach, and a slice of fish cake, adding depth to the ensemble.
DISCLAIMER
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉
