Ramenya Toy Box / ラーメン屋 トイ・ボックス - Minowa
Ramenya Toy Box is serving one of Tokyo's best and award winning shoyu ramen. Recognized by almost everyone who is handing out any kind of award or recognition, this shop really stands out with their chicken powered ramen bowls. And chicken is what this bowl is all about.
Front side of Ramenya Toy Box
Toy Box uses a number of different chicken breeds for their ramen, using all parts of them for different things in the bowl. The carcasses and most of the meat is used for a clear broth which is simmered for a long time at 92°C. The juicy breasts are used as a topping. The chicken fat is rendered out of the chicken skin and used to enrich the ramen bowl.
Shoyu ramen at Toy Box with lots of chiyu chicken fat on top
Noodles are quite thin and square, which fits perfectly with the delicate and rich soup. Meat toppings are prepared sous-vide and have a nice juicy bite to them. Eggs are perfectly prepared and have a nice seasoning, together with a really nice orange egg yolk. On the side of the bowl you can find a a crunchy hosaki menma bamboo shoot, which helps with some texture to switch things up.
Pulling thin and flat ramen noodles at Ramenya Toy Box
Overall, Toy Box is rightfully named by some as the best shoyu ramen shop in all of Tokyo. While that might be hard for me to say, I could possibly see it in my personal top 5 shoyu ramen in Tokyo. What I am trying to say is: It is an easy recommendation to make and you will not walk out disappointed. Beyond their famous shoyu ramen, they also offer shio ramen and miso ramen. Although I haven't tried them yet, it is fair to assume that they are also on an equally high level as their shoyu ramen.
Ramenya Toy Box offers shoyu ramen, shio ramen and miso ramen
Some things to know are that you will have to expect some significant waiting time, from 40-60 minutes at least, probably more Friday evening and on the weekend. You also should be aware that the owner is a sort of strict type, who does not tolerate unruly behavior in the shop. Not finishing your bowl is also a no-go and might get you banned from the shop forever.
After all is said, every ramen nerd should make a trip to Toy Box at least once in their life.
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