Bowl of virtue – Bushido Ramen
I used to enjoy Yuuki Ramen in my neighbourhood, but some years ago, it closed. That left me with only one or two ramen shops within an easy (lazy) walk of the apartment.
Ramen Bushido opened around the corner just a few months ago. I’d been meaning to go sample their noodles for some time, and with the heat recently, I have had little desire to cook, and a diminishing appetite. However, I find that ramen has the ability to restore me.
So, is it some kind of parody of ramen?
The master at Ramen Bushido is a calm, quiet man with a big smile and a light heart. He’s the real thing, earnest and focused- a ramenyasan with the soul of a bushi. He didn’t bat an eyelash to see me, girlkokujin, poke my nose through the noren at the door.
The interior reminds me of dojo – minimalist, clean, orderly and free of decoration, and entirely focused on the task – making and serving ramen. The counter allows you to see into the spotless kitchen, and from the big broth pots the rich and complex aroma of the broth billows.
The noodles are cooked just right, something like the Italian notion of “al dente” and presented in simple white bowls with white renge spoons. Noting distracts from the ramen. He dresses it with a generous helping of finely chopped onions, and his variation is garnished with yuzu citrus zest. Delicious! Ramen Bushido is a block south of Kashiwa Shrine, just a few minutes’ walk from Kashiwa Station.
