【Ramen Exploration】 I enjoyed rustic ramen at “Chuka Hyakusou,” a restaurant operating quietly in a residential area.

"Chuka Hyakusou" stands in the middle of a residential area. It takes a bit of courage to enter, but once inside, you are greeted by simple and delicious ramen and a kind couple, creating a soothing space.

It's hard to find the location!? It's truly a hidden street Chinese restaurant

While punchy Jiro-style and Ie-kei ramen are delicious, sometimes you crave the classic ramen from the past. While discussing this with a friend, I was informed about a Chinese restaurant called Chuka Hyakusa that serves "nostalgic soy sauce ramen with a rich broth."

Although this restaurant is located in Tama City, Tokyo, the location seems difficult to find. It's said to be quietly standing in a residential area, not near the train station or along major roads, so I checked the map the day before and headed there.

While navigating on the map, I couldn't see the restaurant even though I was passing near it. Just as I was about to give up, I spotted a red flag.

As I followed this narrow road... there it was! Without this red flag, I would have completely missed it. Looking at the sign beneath the flag, it seems there's parking available, which was a relief. However, the road to the restaurant is quite narrow, so large vehicles need to be cautious.

Discovered in the residential area! With courage, I decided to go inside.

We have arrived at the destination "Chuka Hyakuso." It's a shop with a simple atmosphere. It feels like a hidden retreat that we've reached after taking a back road. Well, it's a bit daunting to find a city Chinese restaurant in a place like this, but it certainly piques my interest.

The parking lot, which can accommodate about three cars, luckily had one spot available.

Chuka Hyakuso
Location: 1082 Hyakuso, Tama City, Tokyo

A nostalgic feeling like stepping back into the Showa era and classic ramen

Inside, it feels like stepping back into the Showa era, with a space that evokes a sense of nostalgia. It's cozy and somehow reassuring. Looking at the menu hanging on the wall, there are about 30 different items, including fried rice and omurice, and although I was tempted by the seasonal cold Chinese noodles, I stayed true to my original goal. Today's objective is ramen!

After a short wait while enjoying the cold water served to us, they brought out the ramen I had ordered. The clear broth, with menma and chashu floating in it, is exactly the visual I was looking for! It's a classic soy sauce ramen (650 yen).

The soup is truly flavorful with a rich broth that makes you want to keep drinking it. It's a simple taste but has depth and spreads throughout your body. It’s a flavor that won’t get boring and is a ramen you want to eat every day.

There was a delightful surprise after the meal

since we enjoyed it so much that we thought, "Okay, let’s get the bill..." when a kind voice from the staff asked, "Would you like some black coffee?" Then along with the black coffee, an orange was served. It turns out to be a post-meal service. I have explored many local Chinese restaurants so far, but this kind of surprise is a first.

Since both my heart and stomach are full, it's time to head home. This is a Chinese restaurant that I would definitely recommend to those looking for traditional ramen as well as to those who want to experience a sense of excitement.

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