An offshoot of the Michelin-listed noodle eatery Mugen in Fukushima ward, Zen Laboratory opened in 2021 and serves additive-free, artisanal ramen in stylish, orange-tinged surroundings.
Their signature Shiro Shoyu Chuka Soba wows with a clear soup that combines chicken and seafood broth with a base stock made from delicate white soy sauce. The well-balanced, light mixture pairs superbly with the round, medium-thick noodles, making for a guilt-free bowl that feels wholesome and tastes delicious.
Another highlight is the tsukemen version, in which the whole-grain noodles are served in a cold konbu kelp broth alongside the aforementioned soup, the latter reinforced here with a few splashes of cider for a slightly sour kick that really whets the appetite.
Toppings include slices of roast pork and chicken, menma, komatsuna mustard spinach, and dollops of Awajishima salt and wasabi that are meant to be added halfway to enhance the aroma of the noodles.