01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Before ordering at the ticket vending machine, it pays to understand the portion sizes on offer. At Menya HERO in Hon-Komagome, even a regular serving packs around 350g of noodles—more than double the portion served at an ordinary ramen shop. For lighter appetites, the kitchen provides clear alternatives: a reduced portion of roughly 280g, a half serving around 200g, as well as a 1/3 portion and a mini bowl of roughly 150g, making it easy to order comfortably without overcommitting.
When the bowl reaches the counter, it makes an imposing impression with its mound of crisp vegetables, thick slabs of braised pork, and seasoned pork back fat. The rich broth draws deep savory notes from simmering pork, balanced by the punch of soy sauce and the natural sweetness of melted fat, all clinging willingly to thick, wavy house-made flat noodles. Just before serving, diners can customize their toppings with free additions of vegetables, minced garlic, or seasoned pork back fat, with the raw garlic adding an extra edge of sharpness to the broth.
Among the optional side toppings, the Abura Nama-Tamago (seasoned raw egg with pork fat) is a standout. Whipped from richly pigmented Maximum Koi Tamago egg and pork back fat, it is meant to be seasoned with a splash of counter shirodashi and used like sukiyaki broth: dip hot, dense noodles and pork right into the egg mixture to coat each bite in a silky, mellow richness. For an aromatic boost, the house-made charred scallions add toasted complexity, while the soupless aburasoba can be supplemented with green onions or butter for an even richer indulgence.
The interior revolves around a tidy counter where diners can settle in and focus purely on their food. Alongside the signature ramen, the lineup includes award-winning brothless aburasoba recognized in the TRY guide, as well as a tangy, zesty hot-and-sour sanratte ramen. The shop does not take seat reservations and accepts cash only, so having bills and coins on hand ensures a seamless visit.
