Ramen Jumbo in Zengyo: Classic Shoyu Ramen and Fried Rice Set

The Zengyo area in Fujisawa is served by the Odakyu Enoshima Line. Amidst this peaceful neighborhood lined with residential streets and shops near the station, a craving for nostalgic, old-school ramen led me to Ramen Jumbo.

For this visit, I ordered the shop's signature Half Fried Rice Set. Combining a retro-style shoyu (soy sauce) ramen with their famous half-portion fried rice, it is the perfect meal when you are looking for a thoroughly satisfying feed. Here is a look back at an unpretentious, timeless meal that hits all the right notes.

The Timeless Charm of Ramen Jumbo's Classic Bowl

Shortly after placing my order, a piping-hot bowl of classic shoyu ramen arrived at the table. Served in a pale blue ceramic bowl, the clear, amber-colored soy sauce broth framed delicate curly noodles beneath, with a slice of pink-swirled naruto (cured fish cake) placed gently in the center, evoking an immediate sense of warmth.

Alongside the naruto, the toppings included chashu (braised pork), menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), and a generous scattering of finely chopped scallions. The simple, unembellished presentation embodies the quintessential look of traditional Japanese chuka soba, putting you right at ease before taking the first bite. Wrapped in the fragrant aroma of savory soy sauce steam, I reached for the soup spoon.

A Flavorful, Balanced Shoyu Broth Without the Heaviness

Starting with a sip of the soup, the deep soy color translates into a prominent, punchy flavor driven by the seasoned soy sauce base (kaeshi). Yet, the layer of oil floating on the surface is restrained, and it is remarkably light with no greasy feel whatsoever.

While delivering the sharp savoriness and depth of good soy sauce, the finish is surprisingly clean and light on the palate. Because it packs bold flavor without any heaviness, you find yourself going back for spoonful after spoonful. Whenever you find yourself in the Fujisawa area craving a comforting, straightforward shoyu ramen, this broth hits the spot perfectly.

Curly Noodles and Satisfying Old-School Chashu

Lifting the noodles from the broth reveals thin, gently wavy strands. As you lift them with your chopsticks, the ridges of the curly noodles carry plenty of broth with them, filling your mouth with the rich aroma of soy sauce and wheat with every slurp.

The springy bite and crisp chew characteristic of curly noodles are thoroughly enjoyable, pairing seamlessly with the clean soup. It offers everything you could want from old-school ramen noodles.

The chashu pork also leaves a strong impression. Rather than the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness or pink, slow-cooked rare cuts often seen in modern ramen shops, this is traditional chashu with a firm, satisfying chew. Chewing releases the rich, natural flavor of the pork, enhancing the nostalgic appeal of the entire bowl. The crisp bite of fresh scallions and crunchy menma provide pleasant accents, keeping every mouthful interesting to the very end.

Hearty and Fragrant: The Famous Half Fried Rice

Alongside the ramen comes the meal's other star: the half fried rice. The moment it landed on the table, its sheer presence stood out. Despite being labeled a "half" size, it comes mounded high in a small bowl, offering a substantive portion that rivals a regular full order elsewhere.

It is loaded with colorful ingredients: fluffy cooked egg, finely diced naruto, savory bits of chashu, and sliced scallions distributed evenly throughout. Scooping up a spoonful releases a smoky wok aroma accompanied by the rich flavors of the mix-ins.

The texture strikes a balanced middle ground between loose, separated grains and gentle moisture, all without feeling oily. Every spoonful catches savory bites of chashu and chewy bits of naruto, making each bite immensely satisfying.

Alternating between bites of fried rice and sips of the clean, flavorful shoyu broth creates a wonderful contrast where each dish elevates the other, making it impossible to put the spoon down. It is truly a signature dish worthy of its reputation.

A Hearty, Satisfying Combo for Big Appetites in Zengyo

The Half Fried Rice Set at Ramen Jumbo is a complete, well-crafted pairing that lets you enjoy comforting, traditional shoyu ramen alongside aromatic, hearty fried rice. Even with its generous portion size, the lack of heavy grease in both the soup and the rice allows you to comfortably finish every last bite.

If you are looking to satisfy both your appetite and your craving for classic, down-to-earth neighborhood diner-style food in an unpretentious setting, this set comes highly recommended. Keep it in mind whenever you are near Zengyo Station and looking for a fulfilling meal.

What we ordered & prices