No apologies for revisiting Ichikanjin. It's one of my favorite ramen shops on the Shonan Coast — not only because it serves excellent noodles using quality local products, but also for its distinct sense of style.
From these two guardians at the gate, greeting all those who venture in...
…to the bossa and indie music on the sound system, the choice of beer — Belgian, Bass pale ale, various stouts — and the cheerful welcome as you slide open the heavy front door and come in.
Plus I like that it serves some interesting side dishes. I've already documented the sui-gyoza dumplings (warning they're only available after 1 pm). But at this time of year it's the salad that appeals. You get a great and colourful selection of locally grown vegetables from the Kamakura market. This is the large plate...
And this is a one-person serving (from earlier this year):
For some reason, miso ramen is no longer on the everyday menu, though it does appear from time to time on the lunch specials. So my go-to noodles are the shoyu:
Though the shio are pretty fine too:
But for the rest of the summer, this is the one to look out for. It's called ae-soba, but you can think of it as the house version of hiyashi-chuka, with chilled noodles:
Check out the yakumi (condiments) at the back: sansho-balsamic vinegar; shoyu-marinated chili; rice vinegar-marinated chili. Like everything here, home-made by the owner-chef Umezawa-san.
Quality.
More details in my write-up in the Japan Times…
