Koi Dorobo / らぁ麺恋泥棒 - Nakameguro

Ramen Koi Dorobo (らぁ麺恋泥棒) is a new ramen shop in Nakameguro which serves ramen similar to the famous bowls you can find at Sano-san’s legendary Shinasobaya. Not surprising, since Koi Dorobo is affiliated with Shinasobaya, which is now run by the wife of the late Sano-san. By the way, “Koi Dorobo” directly translates into “Love Robber”. So maybe this bowl of ramen will steal your tastebuds and heart?

*Tokusei shoyu ramen at Koi Dorobo in Nakameguro, very similar to the ramen at Shinasobaya.*

The ramen at Koi Dorobo is very much like at Shinasobaya. A very refined chukasoba style ramen, classic and modern at the same time, or a “modernized classic” if you will. The chicken flavor is deep and rich. I went with a shoyu ramen for my first visit and you got the light sourness of high quality soy sauces combined with a great aroma.

*Great straight and low hydration ramen noodles that fit perfectly to the soup.*

The noodles at Koi Dorobo also feel very familiar. Low hydration and straight, with a great slurp and proper chew, they fit perfectly to the delicate soup. These noodles are truly a joy to slurp up.

The toppings are also top notch at Koi Dorobo. You get two pieces of pork chashu, one belly and one more lean cut, which both have the right level of firmness and tenderness. They don’t fall apart when you pick them up and yet almost melt away in your mouth after a few chews. Their seasoning is on the milder side, so they don’t overpower the soup.

The eggs are beautifully marinated with a bright orange yolk, which has transformed into an almost mashed potato like consistency. As delicious as a ramen egg can be.

The menma are the old school small cut type, which don’t really stand out here in any way, other than providing a bit of crunch.

*Ramen ticket vending machine at Koi Dorobo. Shoyu and shio ramen are on the menu.*

The main items on the menu of Koi Dorobo are their shoyu ramen and their shio ramen. You can get them in various topping combinations. There are also a couple of rice side dishes available, for example topped with chashu or with raw egg.

One thing to note is that the price is quite hefty with 1600 Yen for a bowl of “tokusei ramen”, which means “special ramen” with all available toppings. Even the start at 1100 Yen for their most basic ramen is quite steep. Of course, we cannot forget that this shop is in Nakameguro, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Tokyo. However, other ramen shops around there also manage lower prices, therefore Koi Dorobo definitely does stand out with their pricing.

*Front of the ramen shop Koi Dorobo in Nakameguro.*

If you don't want to make it all the way out to the original Shinasobaya, then Koi Dorobo is a good and easily accessible alternative, just a quick 5 minute train ride away from Shibuya. Just follow the train tracks towards the South on the West side of the tracks and you will stumble upon it. You will also walk past Ramen Hayashida, which is another excellent choice in Nakameguro. Maybe you can even combine eating at both, if you have the necessary stomach space.