Triple Broth Harmony at Chukasoba Waka: A Beginner-Friendly Ramen Experience

Hidden on the second floor of a quiet building in Tokyo, Chukasoba Waka delivers a ramen experience that's delicious, accessible, and welcoming to first-timers and tourists alike. I visited on a Saturday in April 2025 around 12:30 PM—no wait at first, but a long line formed by 1:00 PM. Here’s what made it special.

A Bowl Defined by Balance: Waka’s Signature Daily Triple Broth

Beginner-friendly doesn't mean boring. Despite its welcoming nature, Waka serves up deeply layered flavors that rival Tokyo’s most elite ramen spots.

The broth of the day featured a bold yet clean mix of cloudy niboshi (dried sardines), clam, shijimi (corbicula clam), and chicken. Despite the depth, it wasn’t heavy—just full of umami that lingered pleasantly. Topped with fresh mitsuba (Japanese wild parsley) and a hint of yuzu, the aroma added a layer of refinement that made the dish feel like a complete course.

Signature ramen bowl at Chukasoba Waka with char siu, egg, mitsuba, and wontons

Thin noodles lifted from ramen broth at Chukasoba Waka

Don’t Miss the Side Dish: Grated Daikon Char Siu Rice Bowl

The "mizore char siu don" features tender, soy-braised pork that’s sweet-savory and packed with flavor. Grated daikon (daikon oroshi) balances the richness, cleansing the palate between bites. Pro tip: drizzle some ramen broth over the rice—it turns the bowl into an umami bomb. You’ll thank me later.

Mizore char siu rice bowl with grated daikon

Ramen broth being poured over char siu rice bowl

Hidden Spot, Foreign-Friendly Vibe

Located on the second floor of a narrow building, the entrance might feel hidden—but just trust Google Maps. As you approach, the white sign with "Chukasoba Waka TOKYO" will appear.

Exterior view of Chukasoba Waka with signage

Staircase leading to the second-floor entrance of Chukasoba Waka

Inside, the restaurant is clean and cozy. The staff includes non-Japanese members, which makes it easier for tourists to communicate in English. The ordering process is simple thanks to a multilingual ticket machine.

Touchscreen ticket machine at Chukasoba Waka

Recommended For:

First-time ramen eaters or tourists unfamiliar with Japanese menus
Fans of well-balanced, seafood-forward broth
Anyone looking for great value with satisfying sides

Today's Menu (April 2025)

The featured broth of the day was written by hand on a note outside the shop:

Handwritten menu showing niboshi, clam, shijimi, and chicken broth

Shop Info (As of April 2025)

📍 chukasoba-waka(中華そば和渦) on Google Maps

Final Thoughts

Chukasoba Waka isn’t just a ramen shop—it’s a place you can confidently take a friend visiting Japan. From smooth ordering to deep, layered flavors, it’s beginner-friendly without compromising on depth. Highly recommended for anyone exploring Tokyo’s ramen scene.