Tsugaruniboshi Hirakoya

Tsugaruniboshi Hirakoya is the first permanent location outside Aomori Prefecture of Chuka Soba Hirakoya, a renowned niboshi (dried small fish) ramen restaurant with a devoted following in Aomori. On Tokyo Ramen Street, it serves bowls packed with the flavor of Tsugaru-style niboshi ramen.

The signature dish is Koikuchiniboshi. Its broth is made by simmering four types of niboshi, mainly hirako niboshi (dried young sardines), in a three-stage process. The preparation uses a total of over 50 kg of niboshi. The custom-made, medium-thick noodles use a proprietary blend of domestic and imported wheat. Using less kansui, an alkaline solution used in ramen noodles, brings out the wheat’s natural sweetness and a pleasantly chewy texture. Spicy Niboshi Ramen TYPE-T is exclusive to Tokyo Ramen Street. It combines the same niboshi broth with a blend of four spicy ingredients. Other options include Assari Niboshi, a lighter niboshi ramen, as well as rice dishes such as Sujiko Meshi, rice topped with salted salmon roe.

A sign bearing the Tsugaruniboshi Hirakoya name in gold lettering and a white doorway curtain make the storefront stand out. Enjoy the Tsugaru-style niboshi ramen long loved in Aomori without leaving Tokyo Station.