[Ramen] Satisfaction! The pork and thick noodles I faced at "Ramen Bari Otoko" in Daimon, Tokyo

I wanted to eat heartily. So, I went to "Ramen Bari Otoko" in Daimon, Tokyo. Here’s my report on its satisfying experience.

In the city near Tokyo Tower, there is a red ramen shop called "Ramen Bario."

I have an overwhelming urge to eat a hearty ramen. So, I took the train to the place I've been curious about.

I had only known the name "Ramen Bario" for some time. It's a bright red building, just a 2-minute walk from Daimon Station on the Toei Asakusa Line (or Oedo Line). Since it was my first visit, my heart filled with anticipation for the kind of bowl that awaited me.

Right next to it is the large gate of Zojoji Temple, and beyond that, Tokyo Tower peeks out. This cityscape, where history and urban life coexist, was bustling with hurried businessmen, especially since it was lunchtime. Blending in with the crowd, my mind was already filled with thoughts of "Bario."

The red sign came into view. The moment I thought, "Ah, I finally see it!" my heart raced. As I approached while crossing the signal, the red color deepened, pressing closer before my eyes.

My walking pace naturally quickened, and before I knew it, my feelings were leaning forward too. In the midst of the surrounding hustle and bustle, that corner stood out like a different world, and I could almost smell the aroma of the simmering soup drifting through the air.

The tension and anticipation in front of the ticket vending machine

The shop has only counter seats, creating a simple yet calming atmosphere. What I picked at the ticket machine was "ramen" (300g noodles, 3 slices of pork, 1000 yen). The toppings are free to choose from "vegetables, fat, or extra seasoning," so I went with "extra vegetables" without hesitation. Just by handing over the meal ticket, my expectations grew about what kind of bowl would come out.

The chewy flat, thick noodles and satisfying pork

When the bowl arrived, I was overwhelmed by the mound of bean sprouts. In front of it, there was a significant presence of pork, and from the surface of the broth, steam rose along with an appetizing aroma. With that presence, I steeled myself with the thought, "I might not be able to finish this if I don't take it seriously."

The flat, thick noodles are substantial and characterized by their crunchy texture. With every bite, the smell of wheat spreads generously, and just by slurping a mouthful of noodles, I could feel, "These are satisfying." Perhaps due to their thickness, they hold the broth well, allowing me to fully enjoy the volume of the entire bowl.

The soup combines pork bone with a special soy sauce tare, creating a rich flavor that is not too heavy, making it easy to keep eating. When brought to the mouth with a ladle, the rich taste of pork spreads, and the soy sauce aroma wafts through the nose. Whether slurping the noodles or biting into the pork, the flavor holds firmly, tying the entire bowl together.

The pork is thick yet surprisingly easy to eat, and taking a bite releases the savory juices. It has a presence that does not lose to the thick noodles, enhancing the enjoyment of the meal.

Garlic added for a boost in excitement

Halfway through, garlic was added. The moment it was piled into the soup, the aroma rising with the steam spread out instantly, uplifting the mood.

Once it melted into the soup, a sharp punch was added to the original rich umami, providing a powerful impact that resonates the moment it enters the mouth. The stimulation directly hits the stomach, of course, but there’s also a sensation that feels like a switch has been flipped deep inside the body, and the excitement quickly elevates the mood.

Adding chili and vinegar for an even more flavorful twist! It keeps you engaged till the end.

In the second half, I added chili. With just one sip, the rich savory flavor of pork bone and garlic combines with a sharp spiciness, creating a sensation that runs across the tongue. A gentle warmth rises from deep within my body, and beads of sweat form on my forehead. However, the shift in flavor allowed me to continue eating with a refreshing feeling until the very end.

When I added a swirl of vinegar, the taste transformed once again. Bringing the spoon to my mouth, the refreshing acidity was added to the rich savory flavor, making the texture feel much lighter. While leaving a deep aftertaste, remarkably, it also had a clean finish, evoking a feeling of wonder as if I were experiencing a completely different soup.

After finishing the noodles, it wasn't just a matter of being full. A warmth spread from the bottom of my stomach, creating a sensation of energy welling up. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment from having eaten everything thoroughly seeped deep into my heart, wrapping me in a feeling of exhilaration. Even after the meal, a pleasant aftertaste lingered inside me, and I reveled in that satisfaction for a while.

A unique and fulfilling experience gained from just one bowl.

The experience at "Ramen Bari Otoko" offered a level of satisfaction that surpassed the usual lunchtime. The anticipation when it was placed right in front of me, the thrill of slurping the noodles, the pleasure heightened by garlic, and the joy that expands through flavor variations. The time spent eating itself is entertainment.

Despite its flashy appearance, it's a place where you can enjoy a bowl thoughtfully crafted with taste, balance, and ease of eating. It was a place I wanted to revisit when I wanted to truly savor ramen in Daimon.

Ramen Bari Otoko Daimon Branch
Location: 1F, Shiba Daimon Mansion, 2-1-8 Shiba Daimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Interview & Text / SYURI

Search Bulk garlic on Amazon