Vegan Ramen @ T's Tan Tan, Ueno Station, Ueno, Tokyo

If you are a vegan or vegetarian reader and need of some real noodle comfort, my humblest apologies for leaving you guys out for some time. In order to make it up, let me bring you all to a great noodle joint that would also satisfy meat lovers with its great broth and supple noodles.

A very cozy setting. 

T's Tan Tan is a restaurant that specialises in vegan meals and doing it so well that carnivores also recommend the place. One of their flagship branches is located inside the Ueno JR station, so it could be a slight inconvenience if you just want to go into the station to eat here. Fortunately I was midway through a transit so it was no issue for me. There is also one located near Tokyo Station but I am not too sure if you would need to go through the turnstile to dine there.

A part of the shop closer to the action. 

The place has a nature inspired vibe, with natural wood hues and cozy lighting. It was a comforting place to eat and its not like the intense and compact ramen shops that usually dot around the streets of Japan.  It also has other vegetarian dishes as well, but as ramen is what most people order and that is what they are famous for, it was a no brainer choice. 

Choices oh choices. 

I specifically went for the tonkotsu as it seems the most bizarre. I mean how can there be a vegetarian version of a pork bone broth? How would it taste like? Would it be any good? Too many questions would soon be answered in due course. 

Dinner is served

The bowl that appear before me looked very substantial. However, there was already a glaring difference, and that is a lack of that fatty layer which is the result of boiling bone and marrow for many hours. It was still a good looking bowl. 

This is surprisingly delicious. 

And the flavour was really good! It had a smooth and comforting aroma which you can only get from tonkotsu. There was also a very deep savoury profile, which was also another tonkotsu trademark but present here. I am very impressed as how they were able to emulate such a meaty broth into this vegan option. But of course it is not 100% the same, as you do not get that sauce-like thickness which tonkotsu is famous for. It was also not that greasy. 

Clean is not often something you would describe tonkotsu. But here is the exception. 

For some people, an oily bowl is a must and as such they may not be a fan of this ramen dish. Others may prefer a more docile soup and as such, would find delight in this noodle bowl. Personally for me, I have no real preference on this part, as long it tastes good. Although I do enjoy a good bowl with a heap of back fat, which will be for another day.

Front of the house. 

Overall, its an interesting change of pace and a healthy alternative to one of the country's beloved comfort dishes. It was delicious and satisfying. So if you are a vegan or vegetarian, you are in luck as this is a place you can put into your checklist. Even if you are an obsessive carnivore, this great outlet has alot to offer too. As I mentioned, the T's Tan Tan name is expanding and there are a few outlets around. But if you would like to visit the shop I have eaten, the address is as below. 

 7-1, 3F JR Ueno Station, 

Tokyo, Japan, 

PS: The shop is located above the platforms of the station, which means that you would need to get a train ticket to enter.