A Culinary Revelation in Tachikawa! Rich yet Refreshingly Light—This Paitan Defies Expectations!
Just an eight-minute walk from Tachikawa Station's South Exit, you'll find Kanade, tucked away in a tiny, narrow corner—a true "small triangular area" hideout.
Though only offering a cramped counter, this shop has built a massive following thanks to its exquisite chicken broth. While Kanade is popular for its Shōyu (soy sauce) and Shio (salt) Chintan (clear) chicken soups, it was the Chicken Paitan that personally captivated me.
What I encountered here was a truly light-style Chicken Paitan. It delivers a rich, solid punch of chicken umami, beautifully complemented by fragrant, mellow chīyu (chicken oil), yet manages to remain amazingly light on the palate. Seriously, this was a discovery I won't soon forget!
This Is Our Must-Try Order!
・Chicken Paitan (2nd Gen.) with Ajitama - ¥1250
・Topping: Extra Green Onions (Negi) - ¥150
・Kaedama (Extra Noodle Refill) - ¥100
・Menu Items in Japanese：味玉 二代目 鶏白湯
The Broth: Velvet Texture Meets Sharp Umami
This exquisite Chicken Paitan is an exercise in subtle power, setting it distinctly apart from typical heavy, thick paitan. How can a soup be this rich yet feel this light? It's the master's secret.
It has a smooth, velvety texture that feels light on the tongue, yet its flavor is assertive, driven by a fragrant layer of chīyu. This is richness refined—a broth that delivers maximum umami density without the burdensome, heavy finish.
The dedication to the perfect balance is evident: the expert skimming process and the delicate balance of kaeshi (seasoning sauce) ensure that the immense power is felt only as deep flavor, not as weight or residue.
The Noodles: Full-Bodied Bite with a Springy Snap
The medium-thin, straight whole-wheat noodles are the perfect carrier for the creamy broth.
They offer a substantial springy snap that contrasts beautifully with the soup's softness. The moderate thickness ensures the noodles are satisfying without compromising the broth's lightness.
This calculated choice of whole-wheat flour adds a subtle, earthy fragrance that serves as the ideal counterpoint to the intense chicken essence. Their slender, straight form is crucial: it acts as a precise conduit, delivering the refined chīyu and velvety paitan directly to your palate with every slurp.
The Toppings: Crucial Textures and Pungent Contrast
The toppings are deliberately designed to cleanse the palate, acting as a necessary counterpoint to the velvet density of the paitan broth.
The toppings play a critical, tactical role in this bowl.
The generous pile of fresh green onions provides a clean, refreshing crunch that perfectly contrasts the smooth, rich texture of the soup. Seriously, the "Extra Green Onions" is a non-negotiable personal upgrade.
And the pickled ginger (beni shōga) is an essential component! This necessary acidity is expertly deployed to counter the deep fat essence, actively resetting the palate for the next sip of the profound broth.
The Red Chili Secret: The Paitan Upgrade!
You absolutely must try the "uppercut" from the condiments counter!
For this creamy Paitan broth, I strongly recommend the Red Chili Powder over the Black Pepper. When this sharp spiciness hits the profound umami of the creamy paitan, the flavor becomes dramatically more complex and pulled together.
With this single addition, the rich Chicken Paitan evolves into a different dimension. Trust me, once you try this hack, you'll be completely hooked!
Shop Information & Access
Address
Address: 1-11-1 Nishikicho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
Stations
8 minutes walk from JR Tachikawa Station South Exit
8 minutes walk from JR Nishi-Kunitachi Station
530 meters from Nishi Kunitachi.
Phone
Hours
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- 11:00 - 15:00
- 18:00 - 23:00
- Mon
- Closed
Payment Methods
Credit cards not accepted
Electronic money not accepted
QR code payments accepted
Reservations
Unavailable
Parking & Bicycle Parking
Unavailable
Coin parking available nearby
Official Website / SNS
Tabelog: Menya Kanade - Nishi Kunitachi/Ramen | Tabelog
X: (3) 麺屋 かなで (@gXFHv8oDlBRqJ3n) / X
Review conclusion
Kanade’s Second-Generation Chicken Paitan is an exemplary bowl that skillfully bridges the gap between rich flavor and light texture. It successfully separates itself from the typically heavy, thick paitan style by delivering deep, clean chicken umami without the burdensome heaviness.
This is not just great ramen; it’s a masterclass in balance. Whether you’re a paitan aficionado or someone who usually avoids creamy chicken broths, Kanade is a Tachikawa gem you absolutely must try!
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the review!