Discovering a Local Duck Remen - Ueno station/ Tokyo

Kamo to Negi Ueno Okachimachi main store : Hidden Gems and Popular Highlights

Popular Duck ramen near Ueno

Kamo to Negi is a popular duck ramen spot among both ramen enthusiasts and locals, and I’d heard it often has long queues. Fortunately, we were able to get in without waiting at 10:10 PM, but by the time we finished eating at 10:30 PM, there was already a long line outside.

A lot of people are still waiting at 10:30pm

How to get there

Although it’s known as the Ueno branch, the restaurant is actually closest to Okachimachi Station, not Ueno. The nearest exit is A7, and from there it’s just a very short walk to the shop. This is good to know if you want to avoid walking from the busy Ueno side.

How to order : with seasonal spring onions

I ordered the regular duck ramen (1,080 yen) and my husband ordered extra duck ramen (1,360 yen) from the ticket machine outside. The machine is very straightforward, and the menu has clear pictures showing which toppings are included. The main dishes are either duck soba or duck ramen, and the price varies slightly depending on whether you add extras such as egg, menma, or extra duck meat. I recommend checking the picture menu carefully before choosing. Payment at the machine is cash only, so make sure to bring some yen with you.

It also allows you to choose two types of spring onions from three seasonal options, which change monthly. I also added one extra topping of chopped onion on top of the standard two.

The restaurant has an open-bar-style kitchen with counter seating for about 7–8 people and three small tables at the back. Once we sat down, the staff collected our tickets and asked which spring onions we had selected. Our ramen was served within five minutes.

 

This month’s spring onion selection changes depending on the restaurant’s monthly choice. You can pick two spring onion varieties as part of the standard order, and if you want to try all of them, you can purchase an extra option from the machine for 150 yen.

The taste: clean, light and satisfying

Duck-based food can sometimes feel greasy or heavy, but this bowl was surprisingly light. The broth was clean and savoury, without any oiliness. I was especially impressed by how sweet and flavorful the spring onions were — I didn’t know they could taste that good! The combination of duck and spring onions was excellent.

Although I usually prefer thick noodles, the thin, chewy texture of the noodles worked perfectly with this ramen.

They make their broth using only duck, green onions and water.

The restaurant has a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere with simple local-style table

Ramen with extra duck (1,360 yen) - comes with two standard spring onion selections.

Basic duck ramen (1,080 yen) - including two standard spring onions, plus I added an extra onion topping.  

Yuzu and finishing touch 

The extra chopped onion made the flavor even fresher, and adding a touch of yuzu from the table gave it a more refreshing finish. (Tip: start with just a little to see how it changes the taste.) I usually don’t finish the broth when eating ramen, but this time I drank it all.

Final thought

If you’re looking to try a unique style of ramen that’s different from the usual pork or chicken-based options, I definitely recommend this place. However, if you plan to ride a crowded train afterwards, maybe think twice — the spring onions are quite aromatic and the smell might linger.

I visited the original Ueno branch, but they also have locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Sugamo, and Umeda.

https://www.kamotonegi.com - Kamo to Negi official website

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.