Tenkaippin — the name literally means “the finest under heaven” — is a ramen chain. Even as a chain it has kept its reputation going for decades, thanks to a flavor you get nowhere else. I never paid much attention to chains, but it turned up a few times in Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen, so I finally went too.

This place..

There are branches all over, so just head to whichever one is handy.

SUGIZO does the ads..

They run a surprising number of fun campaigns with celebrities..

The table

Not much different from any other ramen shop.

Kotteri ramen

This is the shop’s signature ramen, and the broth is thick and heavy. I have never seen this style of ramen anywhere else. Being that distinctive and that tasty is surely why the name has lasted so long.

The noodles

Old-school noodles.

Gyoza

Nothing special…

Karaage

This one was good

Ajitama, in case I was short on protein

It nails the basics.

Cleaned out

When you finish it all, a line shows up saying “We’ll be waiting for you tomorrow too.”.. well.. the broth was so good there was no way I could leave any.

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