Akai Tongarashi Kameari

A long overdue exploration of Korean food

I have an English student twice a month near Kameari station. I have noticed some interesting restaurants in the area, including a spicy hot ramen shop that I was able to visit only once before it closed. My initial disappointment was replaced with curiosity, when a Korean ramen establishment opened in its place. Considering how long I have lived in Japan-over 20 years-and the ease of access to great Korean food here, my knowledge of it is embarrassingly light. I even visited Seoul many years ago. But basically I know some of the most popular dishes, that`s about it. When I saw Korean ramen I thought, wow, the best of both worlds-awesome! I made a point of paying a visit. Two days ago I did just that. The picture menu both outside and inside the restaurant was helpful. The dishes are translated into katakana from Korean, meaning I hadn`t the slightest idea what they were. But two elements that always work for me are chicken, and spicy. I chose a ramen that seemed to have both. This is not a place with a ticket machine. You tell the staff what you want. I informed the fellow behind the counter of my choice and he asked, `what kind of noodles?` he pointed behind me and there was a picture menu-once again very helpful-of three choices of noodles. `Chuka` Chinese style ramen noodles, Korean ramen or Korean thick udon. I selected the Korean ramen. The staff guy said it was `spicy`, which by my standard is mild to medium. There were not many customers, service was fast. The Korean ramen noodles were really good, nicely substantial and chewy without being rubbery. A pleasant change from the usual. The spice level was there but very manageable. The broth included finely chopped spinach, a winner with me. The staff behind the counter was the gentleman I spoke with and a lady. I communicated in Japanese but, I could have sworn she was having a quiet conversation with a customer in Mandarin Chinese. I`ll have to confirm that, I definitely plan to be there again.