Raijin Ramen | Exploring Asia In Tucson

https://tucsonfoodie.com/2018/01/23/raijin-ramen-to-open-january-23-in-former-saga-sushi/

Located on Speedway Boulevard, not to far from the University of Arizona Campus is Raijin Ramen, the newest local Japanese restaurant. Prior to 2017, there has not been a relatively satisfying or authentic ramen shop in Tucson that has satisfied my tastes. Any ramen I have eaten in Tucson lack the home made quality and taste that you can find in both Japan and many stores closer to the West Coast. The opening of Raijin Ramen to the Tucson community has been a blessing to both the native Tucsonians and Japanese food lovers alike.

PC: Amal Anoohi

Upon arrival, at the door you will be greeted by the image of a fearsome looking demon looking at you. This image is actually of the thunder god Raijin, whose name has been adopted by the restaurant. His image can be seen all around the restaurant from the menu to the noren screen outside of the bathroom entry. The screen depicts Raijin and also Fujin, his brother. They are the two gods that are associated with thunder and wind, and are usually depicted next to each other in tapestries and Japanese art.

                                                                                                     PC: Rachel Low

The interior design is simplistic and modern but the exposed wooden framing and beams make it appear almost like a traditional Japanese house. Oddly, there is an Oni mask hanging above the hallway entrance. Not sure if its associated with anything in particular but I have seen those in other Japanese shops as decoration too. Perhaps it is was way of scaring away bad demons and business?

PC: Amal Anoohi

After waiting for a bit, we are eventually seated at one of the many dark wooden tables and given a menu. They serve the traditional Tonkatsu ramen, which is ramen served in rich pork bone broth, but my favorite is actually the Umami Shoyu. It's a fish based broth that is lightly flavored with soy sauce, and it is typically more savory and light compared to the overpowering richness of Pork broth, but that is just in my opinion.

PC: Rachel Low

When the ramen arrives, it is served in a dark bowl which makes the toppings pop. For my bowl I get: one soy-sauce marinated egg, shredded seaweed, some bok-choy, Negi, and a large chunk of Chashu; all sitting on top of a bed of ramen noodles.  This one bowl, although it looks small, contains a lot of flavor and richness. When I first ate this my friend swore that since we left Japan in 2016, I had never looked so happy when eating. Shows how much I had missed the Ramen in Japan and that the Ramen served at Raijin is on par with the quality and taste of Japan's Ramen.

10/10 Ramen quality!