UMAMI SOUP NOODLES Nijisora
Selected for Tabelog’s 100 Famous Shops, “UMAMI SOUP NOODLES Nijisora” in Ichinoseki City, Iwate, crafts chemical-free culinary art by harmonizing free-range chicken, dried sardines, and shellfish into deep savory perfection.
Traveler's Quick Ramen Guide
🔰 4 Simple Steps to Enjoy Ramen in Japan
- 1. Buy Ticket (食券): Choose your bowl & extra toppings at the vending machine.
- 2. Hand Ticket: Sit down and place your ticket on the raised counter for the chef.
- 3. Customization: When asked for preferences, "Futsuu" means normal/standard taste.
- 4. Courtesy: Place your empty bowl on the upper counter and wipe your space with the cloth.
Table of Contents
Shop Overview
Features & Highlights
- Proudly selected among Tabelog Ramen EAST 100 Famous Shops, Nijisora is an acclaimed culinary destination leading the modern craft ramen scene in southern Iwate.
- True to its name “UMAMI,” the broth strictly avoids MSG, scientifically balancing the synergistic umami of regional free-range poultry, aromatic dried sardines ( niboshi ), and succulent shellfish.
- The flagship “Ajitama Niboshi Chicken Soba” features a gleaming golden broth where smoky dried fish undertones elevate the natural sweetness of farm chicken.
- Homemade straight thin wheat noodles offer a delightful al dente snap, tailored specifically to complement the delicate nuances of the natural soup.
- Beautifully garnished with dual sous-vide chashu (pink pork collar and juicy chicken breast), finely minced purple shallots, and tender long bamboo shoots.
- Renowned for its innovative “Aedama” (seasoned dry extra noodle bowls), allowing diners to enjoy extra noodles seasoned with aromatic oils before dipping into leftover broth.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Address | 175-1 Kanda, Sanseki, Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture |
| Access | Approx. 5 min drive / taxi (20 min walk) from JR Ichinoseki Station East Exit |
| Phone Number | 0191-23-0181 |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM / 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Closes when broth runs out) |
| Closed | Wednesdays and Thursdays |
| Special Holidays | Announced on official X ( @nijisora_iwate ) |
| Seating & Facilities | Approx. 15 seats (counter and table seating), non-smoking |
| Smoking Policy | Non-smoking throughout |
| Parking | Available (Dedicated parking spaces in front of shop) |
| Official SNS | Official X ( @nijisora_iwate ) |
| Official Website | None |
| Gourmet Awards | Tabelog Ramen EAST 100 Famous Shops Awardee |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Ajitama Niboshi Chicken Soba (Shoyu) | ¥950 |
| ★ | Ramen | Rich Concentrated Niboshi Soba | ¥1,000 |
| ★ | Ramen | Tori Soba (Shio / Salt) | ¥900 |
| - | Ramen | Shellfish Dashi Shio Soba | ¥950 |
| ★ | Side | Special Aedama (Black Vinegar / Niboshi) | ¥300 |
| - | Rice | Seared Pork Chashu Don | ¥350 |
Story & Background: Why This Shop Is Special
Roots & Craftsmanship
- The Science of Natural Umami : Harnessing glutamate from kombu, inosinate from roasted fish flakes, and succinate from shellfish to create explosive depth without artificial seasoning.
- Double Sous-Vide Chashu Mastery : Gentle low-temperature cooking preserves the tender moisture of both pork and chicken cuts.
- The Aedama Culture : Revolutionizing the ramen experience by offering flavorful secondary noodle servings that transform your bowl midway.
How to Enjoy
- Savor the Pure Golden Broth : Experience the fragrant steam and clean poultry-niboshi synergy with your first spoonful.
- Slurp the Al Dente Noodles : Appreciate the smooth gluten structure and clean finish of the artisanal noodles.
- Order an Aedama : When finishing your initial noodles, order an Aedama. Mix and eat directly like an oil noodle, then dip the rest into the broth like tsukemen.
Visiting Tips
- Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays : Plan carefully around their two consecutive days off.
- Peak Queues : Lines routinely form prior to the 11:00 AM opening; arriving slightly before opening or after 1:30 PM is advisable.
Summary
UMAMI SOUP NOODLES Nijisora offers a world-class non-MSG noodle experience in southern Iwate. Its pristine balance of dashi and hand-crafted noodles makes it an essential culinary pilgrimage in Tohoku.
Mail Order & Online Shopping
Currently, Nijisora does not provide year-round official online delivery. Savor their delicately balanced broth and artisanal noodles fresh at their shop in Ichinoseki City.