SHIBIRE NOODLES Candle Shop
The popular ramen restaurant " Shibire Noodles Candle Shop " is located in the basement of Omotesando Hills in Tokyo.
The name of the restaurant itself gives off an unusual atmosphere, and in fact, it can be said to be a pioneer of "numbing ramen," and has many strong fans in Tokyo.
Pochip
This time, we visited the restaurant for the limited-time-only "chilled tantanmen" known as a summer tradition.
As it turns out, it was a "worth waiting in line to try" bowl of noodles.
What is Civile Noodles Candle Shop? Reason for its popularity
Candle Shop was established in Ginza in the fall of 2017 and quickly gained a reputation as a restaurant with lines out the door.
The owner, who has more than 20 years of experience in Chinese cuisine, expresses his unique view of the world of "numbness (i.e., hot and spicy)," which he has refined through his ongoing exploration of spices from Japan and abroad.
The restaurant offers not only spicy but also unique ramen noodles with the depth, aroma, and flavor of "numbness," centering on standard menu items such as "Ma-po" ramen and "danmen" ramen noodles without soup.
Because of its popularity, the restaurant has opened a branch in the prestigious Omotesando Hills location. The restaurant attracts many fans as a sophisticated Numbness Ramen restaurant that is perfect for an adult town.
PochipWho is the clientele? Adult ramen restaurant with many couples and female customers.
We visited on a weekday after noon. There were always several people in line in front of the restaurant, but the staff politely handed out menus in a style that allowed people to complete their orders while waiting.
Therefore, the turnover is relatively smooth.
What was impressive was that most of the customers were women and adult couples.
The interior is chic, with an atmosphere more like a "place that offers a spicy and aromatic dining experience" than a ramen restaurant. The interior is chic, with high ceilings and a clean look from the outside.
This is a summer staple! Chilled tantanmen
This time, we were served the very popular chilled "chilled tantanmen," which is served every summer.
It is finally being offered again in 2025, and has already become a hot topic on social networking sites and by word of mouth.
The cold tantan-men soup is mild and creamy.
The flavor of homemade hot sauce and hwasanjang pepper is very refreshing, and the numbing sensation that slowly lingers on the tongue is addictive.
The noodles are thin, straight, and well-seasoned, with a firm texture, and they intertwine perfectly with the soup.
The addition of the toppings, such as the meat miso and raw crispy onions, add to the flavor, aroma, and texture of the dish.
The spiciness of the soup is not adjustable, but perhaps because it is cold, it is not overly stimulating, and even I, who am not a fan of spicy food, was able to finish the dish with great relish.
While the spiciness was moderate, the aroma, richness, and lingering numbness were enjoyable... a bowl full of "Candle Shop style" indeed.
Menu
A full menu of classic dishes, such as Mapo Noodles and Shirunashi Tantanmen (noodles without soup)
Of course, the summer-only menu is not the only attraction of Roshokuya.
The classic "Mapo Noodle " is a dish of medium-thick noodles with a moderately thick red bean paste and a peppery broth that gives the dish a kick.
At first glance it looks heavy, but in fact it is not too thick and has a refreshing aftertaste. The spiciness can be adjusted (from 1 to 4 spices, free of charge).
Sanratang " is another dish that has many fans.
The sauce is rich and full-bodied, and the spices have a wonderful aroma. The addition of grape sansho oil or vinegar gives the noodles a fresh and sour taste that makes them even more three-dimensional. Personally, I also recommend soupless tantanmen in summer.
Make it your own with toppings and flavor enhancers
Another attraction of Candor Shop is the fun of making the ramen to your "personal taste".
Grape Sansho oil, blended vinegar, and chili peppers are placed on the table, allowing you to change the flavor of the ramen as you enjoy it.
The grape sansho oil is especially recommended. It adds a fresh aroma while increasing the numbing sensation and adds depth to the flavor.
There are also a variety of paid toppings such as ajitama, hot egg, cheese, pakuchi, and green onion, which can be customized to make it more rich or refreshing.
Paid options such as more spiciness, more numbness, and more hot oil are also available, making it perfect for serious spicy food lovers.
PochipAttention to detail and comfortable service
Disposable napkins, disposable chopsticks, and pitchers of water are provided at the table, and the detailed service is attentive.
Another key point is that the food is served quickly. This is also a good choice for busy weekday lunches, as you do not have to wait long after placing your order.
On the other hand, the aisles in the restaurant are rather narrow, so you may need to be careful about passing each other when the restaurant is crowded.
Conclusion
Civile Noodles Roshokuya is a ramen restaurant for adults that offers a triumvirate of spiciness, aroma, and numbness.
The summer limited edition "chilled tantanmen" is an exhilarating and stimulating dish to be savored only during the hot season.
Why not stop by while shopping or going out at Omotesando Hills?
It's worth waiting in line.
Civile Noodles Candle Shop Omotesando Hills
https://www.instagram.com/rousokuya_omotesandohills
Store Name: Candle Shop Omotesando Hills
Address: 3F Omotesando Hills, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Regular holiday: nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Phone number: 03-6447-2801 ( not available)
Store URL: https://www.rousokuya.com/
Tabelog URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130602/13234137/
Nearest station: About 2 minutes walk from "Omotesando Station" Exit A2, 382m from Meiji-jingumae Station
Opening Date: 2019-04-27
Weekday Business Hours: 11:00 - 21:30
Holiday Business Hours: 11:00 - 21:30
