01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Ramen at a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant often brings to mind a rich soy-based seasoning or a fatty broth. At Toko Ken, the soup is notably mild and clear. Instead of the usual slices of braised pork, the toppings include small pieces of pork or pork belly, cabbage and bean sprouts. Their savoury flavours blend naturally into the light broth. A delicate fragrance from spices such as star anise adds to the appeal, making for a bowl that feels easy to eat without being oily.
At lunchtime, affordable sets pairing noodles with rice dishes are a popular choice. There’s the classic ramen with half a portion of fried rice, as well as a set of half a ramen and a half-size rice bowl topped with an egg mixture, Tianjin-style, finished with a sweet-and-savoury soy sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce. The lunch combinations are on the modest side, making them a good fit for a lighter meal. Add a soft, fluffy shumai dumpling to make the portion more substantial.
The set meals and individual dishes have the comforting appeal of everyday home cooking. Vegetable mapo tofu is packed with crisp vegetables and has a moderate level of heat; its lightness also makes it a natural match for rice. Other small dishes show a thoughtful touch with their seasonings, including gyoza coated in chilli sauce, pan-fried gyoza made without garlic, and tender chicken meatballs in sweet-and-sour sauce. They also go well with beer.
The restaurant is in a residential neighbourhood west of Shinozaki Station, with free parking for 2 vehicles beside the building. The calm interior has table seating and welcomes everyone from solo diners stopping in for a quick lunch to families. Payment is cash only, and the restaurant does not take table reservations, so come by in person with cash.
