Narukami

At Narukami, shrimp rice is a signature in its own right, sharing the spotlight with the ramen. Some diners describe it as fried rice topped with shrimp, rather than Okayama-style shrimp rice; it’s a different dish from shrimp fried rice, and one that draws people in its own right. It comes in a regular portion as well as a half-size serving that pairs easily with ramen. One diner enjoyed its moist texture, while another noticed that the moisture level varied from day to day. Order it on its own to focus on the shrimp rice, or add the half portion if you’d also like noodles.

For a meal centred on noodles, try the back-fat soy sauce ramen. One diner described soy sauce broth topped with back fat and served with straight noodles that have a pleasing bite. Another singled out the broth’s lingering sweetness and the chew of the chashu pork. The menu lists regular ramen at 900 yen and regular chashu ramen, available in limited quantities, at 1,150 yen. Choose the classic bowl or go for extra chashu, depending on your appetite.

Gyoza are another option if you’d like to add a side. One diner praised their thin wrappers and crisp, browned surfaces; they’re also a popular match for ramen. The menu lists a serving of 5 for 370 yen, and gyoza are available to take away either uncooked or cooked. To try both shrimp rice and ramen, consider a set; alternatively, put together a meal from individual dishes and add gyoza. The restaurant, on Hanagurumacho, south of Teranouchi on Senbon-dori, is described as quiet and suitable for dining alone.