This is our go to ramen place close to home. If ramen boy had his way he would eat ramen daily. He doesn’t get tired of it and he’s a huge fan of Shoki’s tan tan men. Good friends and their boys came through town over the Christmas holidays and the kids were eager to have ramen. They had been last year and wanted to go again. A sure sign that Shoki Ramen passed the noodle test. We lived near each other in Tokyo and N was my frequent sushi lunch buddy but S and I go back years even before ramen boy was a glint in my eye. I will never forget flying in to Tokyo on a redeye flight with my mother and before we even had a chance to settle in at the hotel we hopped into his car. It was snowing hard and the streets were empty and a hot bowl of steaming ramen just seemed perfect. So off we went to Marukin Ramen the quintessential hole in the wall noodle joint. Now not so hole in the wall considering it has many outposts in Tokyo and Yokohama and now in Portland, Oregon. That town is seriously a foodie must go destination.
You know the saying “chicken soup is good for the soul?” Well, a good bowl of noodles is pretty much the same. There is a lot of pride that goes into making good ramen and Shoki Ramen’s owner Yasushi Ueyama does just that. He caters to his customers with dietary restrictions and food allergies so that everyone has an opportunity to experience “a bowl of dreams.” This is unheard of in Japan since many traditional restaurants do not have an option like this and asking will often get you a blank stare or a very polite “I’m sorry but we cannot accommodate.”
Okay now back to the ramen. Pretty much hits the spot. We stick mostly to the tan tan men and you can request your level of spiciness. It is topped with baby spinach, menma (bamboo shoots), moyashi (bean sprouts) and grass-fed, non-antibiotic 100% Angus minced beef. The broth is full of clean soy flavor with just the right amount of spice. I like to order my noodles cooked firm and Shoki’s noodles are thick and springy.
The place is always busy and there is usually a wait. Eating ramen is one of those meals that is quick and easy so people come and go and seats open up so the wait is not too agonizing. We tend to come right when it opens to avoid the wait. It’s a family run restaurant and the wait staff are always helpful and pleasant. If you are lucky on a weekend or school holiday the owner’s young son will greet and seat you with a big smile. Shoki Ramen House is hands down one of ramen boy’s favorite in California.
Shoki Ramen House
1201 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-0011
www.shokiramenhouse.com