Ramen Bear in Zengyo: Rich Shinshu Miso Ramen & Chashu Bowl

Discovering Hearty Miso Ramen at Ramen Bear in Zengyo

The Zengyo area in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a calm residential neighborhood dotted with charming local eateries. When you find yourself near Zengyo Station craving a hearty, full-bodied bowl of ramen to truly fill your appetite, Ramen Bear is a spot well worth visiting.

On this visit, I ordered their signature Miso Ramen alongside the popular side dish, the Mini Chashu Bowl (rice topped with braised pork). From the moment the bowls arrived, the fragrant aroma of miso whetted my appetite, raising high expectations before the very first bite.

Rich Broth Blending Fragrant Shinshu Miso and Savory Meat Stock

Taking a first sip of the soup, the deep, aromatic flavor of Shinshu miso (a savory fermented soybean paste from Nagano) immediately fills your mouth. Shinshu miso offers a distinct, crisp edge paired with an expansive roasted aroma. This is harmoniously balanced by the sturdy richness and umami of the underlying meat-based broth.

Rather than simply dissolving miso paste into water, the soup rests firmly on a solid base of rich broth, giving it substantial depth without feeling cloying. It has a smooth mouthfeel and leaves a warm, lingering savoriness that keeps you reaching for the spoon. This impeccably crafted soup is sure to win over any miso ramen fan.

Chewy Medium-Thick Noodles That Hold the Rich Soup

Paired with this bold, hearty soup are medium-thick noodles with a satisfying chew. Slurping them brings the pleasant aroma of wheat into full harmony with the broth clinging to every strand.

Each bite offers a firm, springy texture that never gets overshadowed by the robust miso. The noodles and broth elevate each other seamlessly, creating a thoroughly enjoyable eating experience.

As an added bonus, you can request thick noodles for this miso ramen if you prefer. While the standard medium-thick noodles do a fantastic job catching the broth, the option to switch to thicker noodles is great for those who love a firmer bite and a stronger noodle presence. Having the flexibility to tailor the bowl to your mood or appetite is part of the restaurant's charm.

Harmonious Accents from Carefully Arranged Toppings

The bowl is visually appealing with a vibrant spread of toppings. Resting in the center is a thick slice of chashu (braised pork), topped with a generous mound of bean sprouts and shiraga negi (finely julienned scallions). Half an ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg) and a sheet of nori seaweed add lovely color and contrast.

The crisp texture of the bean sprouts and scallions works as a wonderful counterpoint to the rich miso broth. Soaking the vegetables in the flavorful soup and eating them together with the noodles is one of the true joys of miso ramen. Dipping the tender chashu into the broth or enjoying the mellow creaminess of the ajitama provides delightful variety with every bite.

The Perfect Side: Mini Chashu Bowl for Ultimate Satisfaction

To accompany the ramen, I also ordered the Mini Chashu Bowl.

The compact bowl is well-filled with rice, topped with savory sauce-glazed chashu and a generous serving of seasoned scallions. Beneath that sits a layer of yellow egg, showing the careful attention paid to its assembly.

The savory sauce, fragrant scallions, and flavorful pork pair effortlessly with the rice, making it hard to put down your chopsticks. Taking a sip of the rich Shinshu miso broth and following it immediately with a mouthful of this chashu rice bowl is pure comfort. While the ramen alone is quite filling, adding this side dish takes the meal's satisfaction to another level.

A Great Choice for Rich Ramen in Zengyo

The Miso Ramen at Ramen Bear is a deeply comforting meal, packing the aromatic qualities of Shinshu miso together with the savory richness of meat broth. Between the well-balanced chewy noodles and the unbeatable pairing with the Mini Chashu Bowl, the entire meal leaves you thoroughly satisfied.

Whenever you are around Zengyo Station in Fujisawa and find yourself in the mood for a bold, flavorful bowl of ramen, this shop should be near the top of your list. Keep it in mind for your next ramen excursion.

What we ordered & prices