Menzamurai — Review by RainaisCrazy
Yokohama, Japan — Japanese Ramen
Rainai took on a 12lb ramen challenge at Menzamurai in Yokohama with a 20-minute time limit. The massive bowl featured flavorful broth, noodles, eggs, chashu, and vegetables that were well-executed despite the salty intensity. Successfully completing the challenge earned a free meal, sticker, and fan from the adorable owner.
What was great: Massive 12lb ramen bowl with eggs, chashu, lots of vegetables, and delicious broth. Ramen noodles don't soak up broth as quickly as other noodles, making it easier to finish. Cute and friendly owner. Received free meal and merchandise for completing the challenge.
What could improve: The broth is very salty and savory, making it difficult to drink towards the end of the challenge. The thick and flavorful broth is more challenging than other cuisine types in eating competitions.
The Dishes
The star of the show was an absolutely massive 12lb ramen bowl that came loaded with quality ingredients. The bowl featured tender chashu pork, perfectly cooked eggs, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that served as the foundation of the dish. The ramen noodles themselves were notably springy and didn't absorb the broth too quickly, allowing them to maintain their texture even after sitting in the bowl for extended periods.
The Experience
Menzamurai had a challenge-focused atmosphere with a 20-minute time limit for competitors and previous challengers featured on the restaurant's TV screen. The owner was particularly charming and encouraging throughout the experience, creating a welcoming and fun environment for the challenge attempt. The restaurant clearly takes pride in their challenge bowl offerings and had merchandise like fans available to commemorate the experience.
Value & Pricing
For completing the challenge, Rainai received the meal completely free along with a bonus meal sticker and a branded fan, making this an excellent value for successfully conquering the massive bowl.
Notable Moments
I love the owner. He's so cute.
Rainai reflected on the unique challenges of ramen competitions compared to other cuisines, noting that while ramen noodles hold up better than some alternatives, the intensely salty and savory broth made drinking it towards the end quite challenging despite tasting delicious.
The Verdict
Menzamurai is an excellent destination for ramen lovers and food challenge enthusiasts visiting Yokohama. The combination of quality ingredients, flavorful broth, and the owner's charming personality makes this a must-visit spot. This restaurant is particularly recommended for those seeking an authentic Japanese ramen experience with a fun competitive edge.