Chilled Kombusui Ramen at Oyayubi near Mita Station

Minato's Mita district is a bustling neighborhood lined with office buildings and university campuses, packed with diners day in and day out. In this fiercely competitive dining hub, you will find a scattering of celebrated shops that captivate ramen lovers. Standing out with its unique moniker among Mita's options is Oyayubi.

Seeking a bowl that feels invigorating on a warmer day, I paid a visit to the shop. The target of this trip was their chilled kombusui (kelp dashi) ramen, well-regarded for its cooling aesthetic and dashi-driven depth.

Savoring a Standout Bowl at Oyayubi in Minato's Mita Area

The area around Mita Station is a ramen battleground encompassing everything from hearty, heavy-hitting broths to delicate, refined styles. Amidst this variety, Oyayubi maintains a firm presence through meticulously crafted menu offerings.

Stepping past the noren curtain, I went straight for the chilled kombusui ramen. While kombu water has gained widespread popularity in recent years as a dipping broth for tsukemen (dipping noodles), my anticipation grew to see how it would be presented as a cold soup base.

A Refreshing First Look at the Chilled Kombusui Ramen

The bowl arrived adorned with a traditional vertical-stripe tokusa pattern, exuding an unmistakably crisp Japanese aesthetic. Neatly folded flat-cut noodles rested in the center of the crystal-clear chilled soup, crowned by vibrant, thoughtfully placed toppings.

A bright aroma drifted up alongside an overall air of dignified refreshment. Even before taking the first bite, the clean, handsome presentation signaled the careful preparation behind it.

A Deep Broth Packing a Bold Kelp Dashi Punch

Lifting the renge spoon, I began with a sip of the clear, cold soup. The moment it hit my palate, the umami of kombu (kelp) struck with unmistakable force, filling the mouth with deep, savory flavor.

Cold soups can easily run the risk of tasting flat, yet this broth carries remarkable depth and richness while remaining clean and light. Layers of pure, pristine umami build upon one another, pulling you further in with every sip. It is an addictive flavor that keeps the spoon moving again and again.

Firm Flat Noodles with an Incredibly Smooth Slurp

Paired with this umami-laden soup are distinct flat noodles. Tightly shocked in cold water, they carry a firm chew with a springy bite that feels fantastic with every mouthful.

The signature silky surface of the flat noodles provides an effortless slurp, catching the chilled broth as they glide in smoothly. The dashi's savoriness blends seamlessly with the natural aroma of the wheat, resulting in a great pairing that stays light and enjoyable right down to the final bite.

Thoughtfully Calculated Toppings that Elevate the Bowl

Further elevating the complete dish is a well-balanced spread of carefully selected garnishes:

• Chashu (braised pork): Eye-catching slices of moist pork with a lovely pink hue. The natural savoriness of the meat is locked inside, finished so delicately that it never feels heavy against the cold soup.
• Ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg): Featuring a creamy, runny yolk, its mild richness provides a pleasant accent against the dashi profile.
• Scallions and greens: Finely shredded white scallions and fresh sprouts add a crisp crunch and an invigorating herbal note.
• Menma (bamboo shoots) and nori (seaweed): Aromatic seaweed and crunchy bamboo shoots add texture and rhythm to the overarching flavor.

Each topping is precisely calibrated to complement the broth, coming together as much more than just simple garnishes.

An Essential Stop for Refreshing Ramen in Mita

Oyayubi's chilled kombusui ramen strikes a wonderful balance between the bold strength of kelp dashi and the clean refreshment of a cold noodle dish. It comes thoroughly recommended on hot days, or anytime you want a light yet genuinely satisfying meal.

When passing through Minato's Mita area, consider stopping by to experience this harmony of refined kelp broth and springy flat noodles for yourself.

What we ordered & prices