Men-Shubo Minonowa Akasaka Branch | Tasting the Thick, Authentic Curry Ramen. A Renowned Akasaka Restaurant Carrying On the Legacy of the Original Curry Ramen

When I get a craving for something spicy, this is the first place that comes to mind. I visited the popular restaurant “Men-Shubo Minowa Akasaka,” located in Akasaka. With its thick, rich, authentic curry noodles, this spot is sure to satisfy any spice lover.

Its roots lie in a casual diner in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture

You might think the Aoyama branch was the first “Minowa” curry noodle shop, but its roots actually lie in a casual diner called “Minowa Shokudo,” founded in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, in 1953 (Showa 28).Although this diner—often referred to as the birthplace of curry ramen—is now closed, the Aoyama branch was opened in Tokyo to recreate the flavors that were so popular there. While branches such as the Roppongi location were later established, it appears the chain currently operates only two locations: the Aoyama and Akasaka branches.

Related Locations (to the best of my knowledge)
1953: Minowa Shokudo (Chiba) [Closed]
2005　Curry Ramen Minowa Aoyama Branch
2007: Men-Shubo Minowawa Roppongi Branch [Closed]
2012: Men-Shubo Minowa Akasaka Branch (this visit)

Mashukuma

It’s so romantic that the flavors that began at a diner in Chiba are still being passed down today!

Yoruneko

Since this area is even said to be the birthplace of curry ramen, it must have a truly authentic history.

An easy-to-understand lunch menu with photos

In addition to curry ramen, the lunch menu features a wide variety of options, including red curry ramen (spicy and extra spicy), cold curry ramen, and set meals with pork shabu-shabu or fried chicken. I see quite a few people ordering the set meals. They also offer a free half-serving of rice with any noodle dish, making it a great value.

At night, it takes on the role of a “sake bar”

True to its name, “Men Sakaba,” the restaurant offers an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages in the evening. The sight of glasses hanging from the ceiling and rows of sake and shochu bottles is spectacular. The restaurant caters not only to lunch-time curry noodle diners but also to evening patrons with options like all-you-can-drink courses.

Time to Eat! Thick and Rich Authentic Curry Noodles

The curry noodles here aren’t the watery, soupy type you often see; instead, they’re a thick, rich variety that truly feels like noodles have been immersed in curry. Personally, I prefer this style because the curry clings firmly to the noodles. You can choose from three levels of spiciness, and every option is truly delicious. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit regularly.

The thinly sliced pork on top of the curry noodles is tender—it’s delicious to dip it in the curry and wrap it around a piece of rice! The curry broth clings firmly to the firm, medium-thick, high-water-content noodles, so you can enjoy every last bite without getting bored.

Mashukuma

Just imagining the noodles coated in that thick, rich curry makes my mouth water!

Yoruneko

It’s also great that a half-serving of rice is free.

Enjoy two meals in one: curry rice at the end

During lunchtime, you get a free half-portion of rice—which is a nice touch. If you add the leftover curry to the rice, you can enjoy it as curry rice right to the very end. Of course, I always make sure to order rice every time. After finishing the noodles, just pour the leftover curry over the rice, and you’ve got the perfect dish that lets you enjoy two meals in one.

Summary

Men-Shubo Minowaka Akasaka Branch is a rare gem where you can enjoy the historic flavor of curry ramen—inherited from a traditional diner in Chiba—in the convenient location of Akasaka.With its two-course combination of thick, rich curry ramen and curry rice that keeps you coming back for more until the very last bite, it’s sure to be the first place that comes to mind when you’re craving something spicy. If you’re looking for a bowl that will satisfy your spicy cravings in Akasaka, be sure to stop by.

Mashukuma

If you’re craving something spicy in Akasaka, I highly recommend Minowawa!

Yoruneko

You absolutely have to order the rice. It’s all part of the set, after all.

Men-Sakaba Minowa Akasaka Branch Store Details

Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed 11:00 AM–3:00 AM (Last Order 2:30 AM) /Thu & Fri 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM (Last Order: Food 3:30 AM, Drinks 3:45 AM) / Sat 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Last Order 11:20 PM),