Osaka’s new EBI-TORI MENZO makes shrimp tsukemen like nowhere else!

Despite only recently opening in April 2016, EBI-TORI MENZO has already made quite a name for itself. You’re sure to see a line of people waiting outside even if you come early. I just had to check it out in person.

The menu consisted of 5 varieties: Shrimp Tsukemen (plain, curry, and spicy) and Chicken Ramen (salt or soy sauce). They also had options for extra chashu (braised pork slices) and other toppings, as well as karaage (fried chicken). I decided to give the Shrimp Tsukemen a try.

In case you were wondering, the difference between tsukemen and ramen is that the soup and noodles are served separately. You dip the noodles into the soup and slurp them up from there.

There's even a special way to enjoy the full potential of this dish; they instruct you to eat the toppings in a clock-wise fashion. You've got chashu, sweet potato, seasonal veggies, a lemon slice, tomatoes, and a piece of baguette with shrimp oil. Plenty to get excited about, am I right?

Shrimp Tsukemen (850 yen), Choose from either 160 g or 200g of noodles. Or, for an extra 100 yen, 300g.

This is what 200 g worth of noodles looks like.

Thick whole wheat noodles with a pleasant springy texture.

The soup was reminiscent of lobster bisque.

The balanced blend of shrimp and fish broth and the sweetness of the vegetables made for a rich-tasting soup. If you're a fan of shrimp, you will definitely enjoy this!

Your taste buds are sure to dance when the noodles coated in rich soup reach your mouth! They complement each other wonderfully.

The first topping, the chashu, was both succulent and delicious.

The sweet potatoes added a touch of sweetness and a variation in texture.

And just when the richness of the dish is getting to be too much, you should arrive at the lemon and tomatoes. Squeeze the lemon on top, and dig in—you’re sure to feel refreshed.

The last topping is the baguette. All you have to do is soak it in the soup and take a bite. Aromatic and chewy, it matches the soup well, yet offers a texture that differs from that of the noodles.

When you’re done with your noodles, you’ll be provided with a bowl of rice—on the house! Dump it into your remaining soup, add some milk broth, and enjoy it as tomato cream shrimp risotto. Yum!

The milk broth really softened the previously rich flavour, taking the taste to 5-star French restaurant level. After you eat the risotto, and complete the cycle of the meal, you’ll probably be hooked on the Shrimp Tsukemen for good!

Karaage 3p 280yen, Seasoned generously with garlic, these are a must-try as well!

I’ve tried my share of shrimp ramen before, but I haven’t tried any that even compared to this shop’s. If you’re in the Osaka area, this is one dish you will be glad you waited in line for—trust me!