Satsumakko

A generous mound of boiled cabbage tops a bowl of mellow broth simmered with pork bones and chicken frames. Satsumakko’s ramen is also described as a soul food of Ota City. Its broth has satisfying umami and depth, yet the bowl remains easy to eat without leaning too heavily on oil. The pork-and-soy broth opens up with each sip, while gently wavy, medium-thick noodles pick up plenty of it.

For a first visit, the Satsumakko Ramen, billed as the signature bowl, is a good place to start. Sweet cabbage comes with three thick slices of chashu that are described as moist and juicy, plus egg and wakame seaweed for a filling combination. The cabbage ramen is another choice for those who want to enjoy the vegetables’ texture, while the green onion and chashu ramen has crisp shredded white leek.

Condiments at the table—spicy bean sprouts, grated garlic and spicy miso—let you shift the flavour partway through the meal. Gyoza and butameshi, a pork rice dish, are among the sides; diners also speak positively of adding a little soup to the butameshi.

The dining room is centred around counter seating. Diners take a seat, order verbally and pay after the meal. Parking is available at MEGA Don Quijote Omori Sanno, and the restaurant is open until 4:30 a.m. That makes it a useful option for lunch between shopping and a late-night bowl to finish the evening.