Divine Sea Bream Ramen in Ueno: Discover Tokyo’s Rare Ramen Delicacy

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

Japanese ramen can be categorized into various types based on factors such as the flavor and characteristics of the soup, the region where it’s commonly eaten, and more.

One of these many ramen types is known as tanrei-kei ramen.

Tanrei-kei ramen is characterized by a refreshing aftertaste and a clear, transparent broth.

A particularly notable representative of the tanrei-kei style is a ramen shop called “Taishio-soba Touka” (hereinafter referred to as “Touka”), which operates multiple stores in Tokyo.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

“特製鯛塩らぁめん,” SPECIAL Sea bream with salt-based ramen 1,280 JPY (tax included)

The soup made with just sea bream and water will stun you with its richness

When the ramen is brought to your table at Touka, the first thing that catches your eye is the artistic presentation.

Presentation is one of the points that Touka emphasizes, with the intention of evoking a sense of Japanese aesthetics resembling a traditional garden.

They pay close attention to the arrangement of each noodle, carefully placing them to make a visually appealing display.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

Thin noodles are used for their excellent affinity with the soup. They’re made specially to complement Touka’s soup that’s made solely from red sea bream and water.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

The soup, thought to be the essence of ramen, is made exclusively from domestically sourced sea bream and water.

This soup is the second point of emphasis at Touka. Despite being made only from those ingredients, it has a pleasantly surprising richness without an overpowering aftertaste.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

The reason for being able to produce such a deep flavor with minimal ingredients can be attributed to their careful selection.

At Touka, they use only the backbone of domestically sourced sea bream for the soup.

The broth is then simmered slowly without stirring for an extended period, concentrating the pure taste of the red sea bream without any impurities.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

A salt-based sauce added to the soup enhances the natural umami of the sea bream, providing a subtle salty touch.

Take a sip, and you’ll surely be amazed by the richness and aroma of the soup, which belies its simple ingredients of sea bream and water.

Pay attention to the ingredients that bring out the deliciousness of the soup

Let’s also take a closer look at the toppings, not just the soup!

At Touka, ramen toppings are carefully prepared to match the elegant flavor of the soup.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

Toppings for the SPECIAL Sea bream with salt-based ramen include three slices of chāshū, seasoned egg, bamboo shoots, and green onion

One topping that deserves special attention is the exceptionally long, slender menma (bamboo shoots), almost encircling the bowl.

This bamboo shoots are made by simmering to retain a crispy texture, providing a satisfying crunch.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

The thinly sliced chāshū (braised pork) has a moist texture and minimal fat, ensuring it doesn’t overshadow the refined taste of the soup.

The addition of yuzu citrus peels brings a refreshing aroma to the dish.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

Any one of these toppings missing would leave Touka’s ramen incomplete.

Each topping plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish!

Try out the ochazuke to really enhance the umami of the sea bream!

Touka offers a unique dish that you won’t find at other ramen shops: the “Elaborate Sesame Red Sea Bream Ochazuke.” Ochazuke is a Japanese rice soup that can be made with tea or dashi broth. At Touka, the dish is served with dashi to pour over rice.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

“こだわり胡麻鯛茶漬け,” Elaborate Sesame Red Sea Bream Ochazuke 1,260 JPY (tax included)

The set includes white rice, slices of red sea bream, broth, two side dishes, and pickles.

The broth is made using the ramen soup, and red sea bream slices are included as toppings for the ochazuke, allowing you to fully appreciate the deliciousness of the fish.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

First, savor the slices of red sea bream with sesame sauce over white rice. The domestically sourced fish has a firm texture, and the sesame sauce adds a fragrant touch to its savory flavor.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

Afterward, arrange the remaining sea bream fillets on top of the white rice, pour in the broth, and enjoy!

It’s also recommended to sprinkle the brown rice crackers available at the table for a crispy texture, if you like.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

This ochazuke was created with the idea of savoring the sea bream soup until the last drop, making it a unique menu item.

For an adult appetite, ordering this alongside a bowl of ramen provides a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

For those with smaller appetites, there is a set available for 580 JPY (tax included), which includes only white rice, red sea bream slices, and condiments.

The broth used is from the soup leftover after finishing your meal. Please note that this set is only available when ordering noodles.

The store is bustling with international visitors

The Ueno branch of Touka, which we visited for this article, is located in a popular tourist area, attracting a large number of foreign visitors.

The order machine supports not only Japanese but also English. Additionally, the presence of foreign staff ensures a warm and English-friendly environment, making it convenient for visitors in need of assistance.

Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno

Touka’s interior

With its meticulous presentation reflecting Japanese aesthetics and the delicate flavor of red sea bream, a bowl from Touka offers a unique ramen experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

Be sure to try the Elaborate Sesame Red Sea Bream Ochazuke as well and savor the distinctive flavors that the restaurant takes pride in!

Information

Store name 鯛塩そば 灯花 アトレ上野店
Taishio-soba Touka atre Ueno
Address Atre Ueno 1F, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access Ueno Station(UEN) 1-minute walk from Ueno Station Yamashita Exit
  • JR Yamanote Line(JY05)
  • JR Ueno-Tokyo Line(JJ01・JU02)
  • JR Utsunomiya Line(JU02)
  • JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line(JK30)
  • JR Joban Line(JJ01)
  • JR Takasaki Line(JU02)
  • JR Narita Line
  • Tokyo Metro Ginza Line(G16)
  • Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line(H18)
  • Akita Shinkansen
  • Jōetsu Shinkansen
  • Tohoku Shinkansen
  • Hokuriku-Shinkansen
  • Hokkaido Shinkansen
  • Yamagata Shinkansen

Keisei Ueno Station 2-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station Main Exit
  • Keisei Line(KS01)
  • Hokusō Line
  • Keisei Narita Skyaccess
Phone number 03-5826-5762
Reservations Not accepted
Payment
  • Cash
  • Credit cards not accepted
  • Transportation-related electronic money(Suica, etc.)
  • Electronic money not accepted
  • QR code payment(PayPay)
Service charge/Table charge None
Hours 10:00-25:00 (last order 24:40)
Closed No holidays
excluding atre Ueno holidays
Seating 30 seats
12 counter seats, 18 table seats
Smoking All seats are non-smoking
Official website https://ramen-toka.com/
Other information
  • A ticket vending machine system is available with Japanese and English language only
  • Please ask staff about allergy-friendly menus; vegan, vegetarian, and halal menus are not available
  • Not wheelchair-accessible
  • Take-out service and delivery service are available
  • Luggage storage space is available
  • Wi-Fi is not available
  • Posting of food photos and videos on customers’ personal SNS accounts is allowed
  • Separate billing is allowed

※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of February 2024.