Ramen with a View: A Culinary Adventure in Shibuya
「静かなる心は嵐をも鎮める。」
Ramen is a beloved dish in Japan, and for good reason. It is a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Ramen can be found in restaurants all over Japan, but there is something special about enjoying a bowl of ramen in Tokyo. The city's energy and excitement seem to add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
My Ramen Experience in Shibuya
On my recent trip to Tokyo, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to experience ramen in a truly unique setting. I was staying in a hotel near Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Every few minutes, thousands of people would cross the street in a synchronized wave. It was a truly amazing sight to behold.
One evening, I decided to venture out and find a place to eat. I stumbled upon a small izakaya (Japanese pub) that had a few tables overlooking Shibuya Crossing. I was immediately drawn in by the view and the warm, inviting atmosphere.
I ordered a bowl of shoyu ramen, a classic Japanese ramen dish with a soy sauce-based broth. The ramen was delicious, and the broth was rich and flavorful. I slowly savored each bite, taking in the sights and sounds of the city around me.
The Magic of Shibuya Crossing
As I ate my ramen, I watched the people crossing the street below. There were tourists, businessmen, students, and families. People of all ages and backgrounds were coming together in this one small space. It was a truly inspiring sight.
I felt a sense of connection to the city and its people as I ate my ramen. I was sharing in a small moment of their lives, and they were sharing in mine. It was a beautiful thing.
A Culinary Adventure to Remember
My ramen experience in Shibuya was one that I will never forget. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
If you ever have the chance to visit Tokyo, I highly recommend seeking out a small izakaya with a view of Shibuya Crossing. It is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 package (14 ounces) ramen noodles
2 eggs
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
2 sheets nori seaweed, cut into strips
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
Add the 1 chicken broth and chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
While the chicken is simmering, cook the eggs in a pot of boiling water for 6 minutes. Remove the eggs from the water and run them under cold water to stop the cooking. Peel the eggs and set aside.
Add the ramen noodles to the pot of chicken and cook for 3 minutes, or according to package directions.
Remove the pot from the heat and divide the noodles and chicken between two bowls. Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, green onions, and nori seaweed.
Serve immediately.
Tips:
For a richer broth, use chicken bones in addition to the chicken breasts.
Add other vegetables to the ramen, such as mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach.
Top the ramen with your favorite toppings, such as sriracha, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice.
