Ramen, said to be the "national dish" of Japan.
When you go out to eat, isn't ramen one of the options?
If you have children, they might ask to eat ramen even more.
There are several ramen shops around the Bikan Historical Area.
Among them, a unique one is Tsuki no Utsuwa Tsurugata Branch.
The "Chuka Soba" at Tsuki no Utsuwa is very particular about its ingredients.
The uncompromising Chuka Soba has a taste that feels delicious no matter how many times you eat it.
Moreover, it gives a sense of nostalgia.
This is because Tsuki no Utsuwa values the "handmade feel" that was felt in old ramen shops.
Here, I will introduce the ramen shop Tsuki no Utsuwa, where you can enjoy such carefully crafted Chuka Soba.
Tsuki no Utsuwa is a ramen shop that pursues handmade flavors with a focus on ingredients
Tsuki no Utsuwa is a ramen shop located in an alley off the shopping street in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
Focusing on ingredients, it pursues the unique goodness of handmade "Chuka Soba."
The ramen at Tsuki no Utsuwa is all visually beautiful.
Furthermore, it is ramen that allows you to feel the deliciousness of the ingredients.
The interior and decorations are said to be themed around "Japanese Modern."
If you add it to the Chuka Soba according to your preference, it will change the flavor with a spicy kick.
Additionally, Tsuki no Utsuwa opened in 2013 in Hinode-cho, north of JR Kurashiki Station.
It later relocated to its current location as "Tsurugata Branch" in 2018.
Recommended and popular menu items at Tsuki no Utsuwa
I asked the owner of Tsuki no Utsuwa to introduce the recommended menu items and those popular among customers.
Information as of March 2022. Prices include tax.
"Onomichi Backfat Soba" has a satisfying chewy backfat!
During the interview, I had the "Onomichi Backfat Soba" (890 yen including tax).
The Onomichi Backfat Soba is the third most popular menu item at Tsuki no Utsuwa.
It seems to be very popular among male customers and ramen enthusiasts.
▼ The Onomichi Backfat Soba is a Chuka Soba style reminiscent of Onomichi Ramen.
The presence of naruto gives it an impression similar to that of traditional Chuka Soba.
▼ The soy sauce-flavored soup is topped with plenty of pork backfat, which is a symbol of Onomichi Ramen.
▼ Because it uses the highest grade of backfat, the size, taste, and texture are all different.
The large pieces have a chewy texture that is the best!
While many backfat pieces melt in your mouth, the backfat at Tsuki no Utsuwa has a "meaty" quality, allowing you to taste the sweetness and umami of the pork, which I found to be very delicious.
▼ Mixed in with the backfat were chopped onions.
I think this is quite rare.
It was my first experience with Onomichi Ramen that included onions.
The crunchy texture of the onions adds an accent to the chewy backfat.
▼ The color of the soup is dark, but it gives a refreshing impression.
It has a sweet flavor and richness, making it easy to keep drinking.
▼ The noodles are medium-thin and straight, with a moderate firmness.
These are special noodles made to order from a noodle factory.
▼ There are two large slices of chashu, which look delicious at first glance.
The char siu is also carefully selected, using premium pork belly that is homemade.
The lean meat is tender, while the fat is melt-in-your-mouth, providing a satisfying bite.
▼ Flavorful egg made with pure domestic chicken eggs.
The creamy yolk is rich and delicious.
▼ The highlight is the green onions served in a mountain-like shape.
These green onions are cut in a unique way.
They are cut in a stylish manner, resembling decorative cuts.
The crunchy texture is quite nice.
The way the green onions are cut is inspired by Hiroshima-style dipping noodles.
Additionally, the same green onions are served with other Chinese soba dishes at Moon's Vessel.
Having lived in the Bingo region for a long time, I am accustomed to Onomichi-style ramen, but I found the Onomichi backfat soba to be quite delicious!
The backfat and onions are also excellent!
“Golden Soba” is the most popular ramen that brings out the flavor of chicken oil!
“Golden Soba” (tax included 890 yen) is the most popular menu item at Moon's Vessel.
The key point of Golden Soba is chicken oil (chiyu).
With a soy sauce-based soup, the addition of chicken oil spreads the umami of the chicken fat, creating richness and depth in flavor.
In fact, Golden Soba has been a signature menu item since the opening of Moon's Vessel.
It is a representative Chinese soba dish of Moon's Vessel.
When I previously visited Moon's Vessel, I had Golden Soba.
I felt a nostalgic, gentle, and deep flavor in the soup, and it was delicious.
“Salt Soba” and “Share Soba” are popular for their light flavor
“Salt Soba” (tax included 850 yen) is the second most popular menu item.
You can enjoy a light flavor unique to the salt-flavored soup.
With a mild saltiness that doesn't prick the tongue, the soup has a refreshing aftertaste that makes you want to drink it all.
The clear and beautiful soup is also impressive.
▼ If you add the table-side Chinese pepper to your liking, the flavor will be enhanced.
Additionally, there is also a salt-based Chinese soba called “Share Soba” (tax included 890 yen).
▼ Share Soba is based on Salt Soba, with added richness and umami.
Salt Soba and Share Soba are supported by a wide range of customers, from women to the elderly.
“Spicy Soba” is popular among women for its Sichuan-style spicy flavor
“Spicy Soba” (tax included 980 yen) is the third most popular dish, alongside Onomichi Backfat Soba.
Based on a soy sauce soup, it is finished in a Sichuan style with plenty of chili oil and coarsely ground chili peppers.
The spiciness is five levels.
You can choose from medium spicy, spicy, extra spicy, super extra spicy, and super duper extra spicy.
While Onomichi Backfat Soba is mainly popular among men, Spicy Soba is overwhelmingly popular among women!
It is also very popular among customers from overseas, especially well-received by people from Hong Kong.
“Dipping Noodles” require advance reservation
Moon's Vessel also offers “Dipping Noodles.”
Dipping Noodles are a summer limited secret menu!
They are not listed on the menu.
If you want to eat Dipping Noodles, be sure to call in advance to make a reservation.
Reservations are necessary as preparation is required, and you cannot eat them without a reservation.
Dipping Noodles come in two types: regular Dipping Noodles and Hiroshima-style Dipping Noodles.
Please specify your preferred type when making a reservation.
Regular Dipping Noodles have a sweet flavor for the dipping sauce.
Hiroshima-style Dipping Noodles have a spicy flavor for the dipping sauce.
Moon's Vessel Side Menu
Moon's Vessel also shows a strong commitment to its side menu.
Let me introduce some recommended menu items!
Information as of March 2022 (Reiwa 4). Prices include tax.
“Ultimate Egg Over Rice” is pointed out by the Kasaoka Uneme Farm’s “Momiji Eggs”!
“Ultimate Egg Over Rice” (tax included 300 yen) is the owner's recommended side menu item.
The eggs used for the egg over rice are only from the Uneme Farm in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, and are “Momiji Eggs.”
In western Okayama Prefecture, Uneme Farm's eggs are very well-regarded.
They are pure domestic chicken eggs, and the yolks have a very rich flavor.
Additionally, the rice is “Akitakomachi.”
Moreover, the sauce for the egg over rice is homemade and carefully crafted.
Egg over rice is simple, which is why the ingredients are important.
Please try Moon's Vessel's egg over rice and experience the deliciousness of the eggs and sauce.
The eggs used in the Chinese soba are also the same Momiji Eggs from Uneme Farm.
“Makai Don” is a popular side menu since the Hinode-cho era
“Makai Don” (tax included 390 yen) is the most popular side menu item.
It has been the most popular side menu item since the time when the shop was in Hinode-cho!
It consists of rice topped with a flavor egg, menma, naruto, and finely sliced char siu, all drizzled with a special sauce.
It is recommended when you feel that the Chinese soba alone is a bit insufficient.
“Grilled Gyoza” is a famous menu using domestic ingredients
Moon's Vessel also offers the classic side menu item of ramen shops, “Grilled Gyoza” (tax included 300 yen).
Grilled Gyoza has also been a popular menu item since the time of the Hinode-cho shop.
It is a signature menu item alongside Chinese soba.
“Perfect Black Label” uses a specially tuned server
“Perfect Black Label” (including tax 500 yen) is a beer that Tsuki no Utsuwa takes pride in.
It is said that the server has been specially tuned for Tsuki no Utsuwa.
That’s why the taste of the beer is completely different.
We are confident in the creaminess of the beer's foam!
It seems that some customers become addicted after trying it just once.
“Goro Goro Lemon Sour” is full of lemons and allows refills of just the contents
The refreshing flavor and easy drinkability are the charms of this lemon sour.
At Tsuki no Utsuwa, it is called “Goro Goro Lemon Sour” (including tax 500 yen).
Goro Goro Lemon Sour is also a recommended drink by the owner.
▼ As the name suggests, there were plenty of lemons in the glass.
You can leave the lemons and refill just the alcohol!
Refills of just the alcohol for Goro Goro Lemon Sour are 300 yen (including tax).
Tsuki no Utsuwa Menu List
Here is an introduction to the menu at Tsuki no Utsuwa.
Private parties are also possible, and there is a banquet menu
At Tsuki no Utsuwa, in addition to the regular menu, there is also a banquet menu.
Currently suspended due to measures against the novel coronavirus infection
Banquets can be held for 8 people or more, and reservations must be made by the day before.
The contents of the banquet menu may change depending on the season and availability of ingredients.
If you are curious, be sure to ask the restaurant when making a reservation.
Tsuki no Utsuwa offers attractive, carefully crafted Chinese noodles and a variety of side dishes.
I spoke with the owner of Tsuki no Utsuwa about this.
Tsuki no Utsuwa Tsurugata Store Information
| Name | Tsuki no Utsuwa Tsurugata Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1-11 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-2135 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Tuesday, Thursday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | No |
| Seating | 10 seats ・Tables and tatami available ・Seating can be adjusted |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Wheelchair accessible |
| Barrier-Free | ・Children's utensils available ・Strollers not allowed |
| Website | Tsuki no Utsuwa Official Twitter |
There are different grades of pork backfat.
The Onomichi Backfat Soba uses the highest grade of backfat!