01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Stepping into a neighborhood Chinese diner filled with sizzling aromas and curls of steam makes deciding between a noodle bowl and a full set meal a distinct pleasure. At Darumaken in Arakawa Ward's Nishi-Ogu, hearty, comforting options abound, from fragrant ginger pork and old-school ramen to wok-fried rice. The grilled pork set, accented with grated ginger and accompanied by a bowl of white rice, provides a satisfying option for a midday meal.
The noodles and side dishes share the same straightforward appeal. The classic ramen pairs wavy noodles with a clear chicken-bone soy sauce broth, while the wonton noodles feature plump dumplings wrapped in thick, chewy skins. Handmade, thick-skinned pan-fried gyoza are nicely crisped, making an ideal companion to a bottle of beer or an extra side alongside noodles and rice. Chopped chashu pork and narutomaki fish cake speckle the fried rice, which strikes an appetizing middle ground between moist and fluffy grains, served with a warm bowl of soup.
During lunch hours, diners can pick combinations such as ramen with fried rice or a gyoza-and-rice teishoku to match their appetite. Beside staple drinks like draft beer, sake, and Chinese liquor, the beverage lineup includes distinctive teas such as Azuki Bijin adzuki bean tea and organic Uji green tea. Operating across separate lunch and dinner services, the diner accepts cash only, so having coins or bills handy before visiting is recommended.
