Situated between Kokubunji Station and Kitafuchu Station, lies Hirai, a renowned ramen powerhouse boasting an incredible Tabelog score of 3.90. It was here that I experienced their Tuesday-only Triple-Animal Shio Tsukemen (Salt-based dipping noodle).
The main event is undoubtedly the richness of the Triple-Animal Soup (Chicken, Pork, Beef) combined with a powerful Seafood Dashi. The moment this luxurious double-soup hits your palate, your mind is painted with the image of a vast, tranquil ranch under a blue sky, followed by the picturesque view of a serene fishing port. Pairing this with high-quality, ultra-thick noodles that are both chewy and glossy guarantees a near-religious experience!
This Is Our Must-Try Order!
・Triple-Animal Salt-based Dipping Ramen(Tuesday Special) - ¥1100
・Menu Items in Japanese：三獣塩つけ蕎麦 並盛
🏀 The Beast in the Bowl: Unrivaled Depth and Intensity
The rich and punchy triple-animal soup, born from the fusion of chicken, pork, and beef, is a masterpiece of teamwork. The individual elements brilliantly enhance each other without canceling out their own unique characteristics.
It's a finish reminiscent of the peak Chicago Bulls! In this analogy, the seafood dashi and the salt tare (sauce) play the role of Coach Phil Jackson, guiding the ingredients to perfect harmony.
The royal way to enjoy this is to finish the meal by adding the soup-wari (broth dilution) afterward, transforming the dense dipping sauce into a refreshing and drinkable clear soup!
🍜 The Thick & Glossy Challenge: Engineered for the Ultimate Dip
This ultra-thick, flat noodle clearly shows the coarse grains of wheat, immediately suggesting its superior quality. As you can see, it boasts a gummi-like texture (gummy/chewy) and, due to the high density of the wheat, you can savor its full aroma and flavor.
It’s so resilient, you might be able to weave these noodles together to make a wrestling ring rope (seriously!).
Even when dipped into the incredibly rich and high-viscosity soup, the power of the wheat in these noodles remains utterly unshakeable.
The Gourmet Ensemble: Premium Players on the Sides
The char-grilled chashu is perfectly balanced—it's juicy and boasts an exquisite balance of softness and chewiness. A subtle smoky aroma enhances the meat, making it wonderfully seasoned.
Placed to the right of the noodles is the bamboo shoot (menma), which is not seasoned. This is a brilliant touch!
It functions purely as a palate cleanser, ensuring its neutral flavor allows you to reset and fully appreciate the complex dipping sauce after every rich bite.
🌶️ Two Ways to Customize: Salt for the Noodle, Chili for the Dip
The available tabletop condiments are high-quality salt and green chili. The salt is intended for applying a small amount directly to the noodles before dipping to savor the pure flavor of the wheat itself. Many shops confident in their tsukemen quality recommend this method.
While subtly tricky to adjust the perfect amount of salt, it's absolutely worth the effort for any true wheat enthusiast.
Meanwhile, the kick from the green chili dramatically transforms the rich and creamy dipping sauce. Its powerful presence refuses to be overwhelmed by the soup's multitude of main characters—a testament to its superb quality as a chosen topping. The way this chili changes the flavor is so dramatic, it rivals the unexpected changes seen in a teenager during summer vacation!
Shop Information & Access
Behold this black and gold sign! Doesn't it look exactly like the belt of a UFC Champion?
Address
東京都府中市栄町2-11-7
Nearest Station
By Foot
Approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) walk from either Kitafuchu Station or Kokubunji Station.
By Bus
From Kokubunji Station (国分寺駅):
- Take the Keio Bus [T-91] bound for Fuchu Station (Tokyo) (府中駅), via Meisei Gakuen (明星学苑).
- Alight (get off) at the "Sakae-cho Koban Kita (栄町交番北)" bus stop.
- The shop is approximately 191 meters (627 ft) from the bus stop.
Phone
This is Unclear so that I recommend checking the shop's social media for the latest updates on hours/availability before you visit.
Hours
Payment Methods
Cash Only at the ticket machine.
(The shop does not accept credit cards or electronic payments.)
Reservations
Not Accepte
Please refrain from contacting the shop during business hours to inquire about the line status or wait times.
Parking & Bicycle Parking
No parking available directly at the shop.
Coin-operated parking lots are available nearby.
Official Website / SNS
Tabelog: Chuka Soba Hirai - Kita Fuchu/Ramen | Tabelog
X: https://twitter.com/tyukasoba_hirai
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyukasoba_hirai
Review conclusion
Hirai's Tuesday-only Triple-Animal Shio Tsukemen is not just a meal; it’s a legendary performance that earns its "UFC Champion" status. The soul of this dish is the Quadruple-Broth Rhapsody, where the rich, punchy power of the Triple-Animal base (chicken, pork, beef) dances in perfect harmony with the refined Seafood Dashi—a flavor so profound it could move mountains.
That powerful dip is met by the Four-Wheat Blend, an ultra-thick, gummi-like noodle engineered for resilience and flavor that is utterly unshakeable. Every element, from the smoky char-grilled chashu to the palate-cleansing unseasoned menma, reveals a meticulous, clever calculation. And when you utilize the high-quality salt and the dramatic green chili transformation, you unlock a near-religious experience in flavor customization.
If you find yourself between Kitafuchu and Kokubunji, make the journey. This is the ultimate proof that a bowl of ramen can be a work of art. Don't miss the Tuesday show!
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the review!