Next Shikaku Oyster Tsukemen | Osaka Must Eats

Next Shikaku Oyster Tsukemen | Osaka Must Eats

• June 21, 2024

• Osaka, Japan

A recommendation I found on Instagram, this restaurant specialises in oysters which are used in all their ramen broths and in their side dishes. We tried a range of ramen from the menu including ‘ikasu’ oyster soy sauce soup ramen, ‘koeru’ pork broth and oyster soup ramen, and ‘asobu’ dipping oyster noodle. We also got sides of beef sushi and deep fried oysters. Every single dish that arrived was insanely good. What was most impressive of all, is that every bowl of ramen is so thoughtful and fully held its own unique character.  

We went for a super late lunch around 3pm and to our surprise, there was still a small queue. As we queued, we were take to a screen to order and pay which was really efficient and in the end, waiting time was around 20 minutes, with food arriving swiftly once we sat down.

The asobu dipping oyster noodle set was the most impressive on arrival. Thick wide silken ramen with a rich oyster dipping broth decorated with dainty edible flowers, and an extravagant looking beef sushi. The sauce was packed with umami and coated the ramen thoroughly. It did get a bit too rich towards the end for me, so is probably best to be shared. The beef sushi was a standout! Soft and melt-in-your-mouth beef on bite size warmed sushi rice. Now we really wished we had ordered more.

Koeru pork broth and oyster soup ramen ended up being my favourite. It has the beloved and well made tonkotsu broth with flavours amped up by the addition of oysters giving it a rich sea-sweetness and lifted by the clever zinginess of lime. Loved this.

Ikasu oyster soy sauce soup ramen was the cleanest tasting of them all, but the oyster flavour shone through in a subtle yet intentional way. It came with mini wontons which added to the overall texture and made the dish interesting from beginning to end. 

Deep fried oysters were perfectly fried til golden. Plump and juicy oysters inside, encased in a light non-greasy breadcrumb coating.

After a bit of googling, I found out there is also a branch in Hong Kong. Very happy about this since we go back to Hong Kong every 1-2 years to visit my parents, so I'll be sure to add it to my eat list for our next Hong Kong trip. Next Shikaku in Osaka was definitely another favourite eat on this holiday. 

Address:

9-12 Nanbasennichimae, 

Chuo Ward, Osaka, 

542-0075, Japan 

I'll be sharing more Osaka eats very soon. 

 

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