I made a movie about Toshimi Saitou’s story.
The most delicious authentic Japanese ramen in Schiedam? Yes, you read it well. Yokohama Ramen Saito has landed in this small city, next to big brother Rotterdam. Before my visit I was doubtful: “Will this be good ramen?” still remembering the average experiences at some other ramen shop…
BUT, I can conclude: you all need to visit my dear readers! It was so good! Here is the story…
First visit
The restaurant interior looks very simple, it reminds me of a snackbar. Inside the tables are almost all occupied. There is still one table free for us. We have a very good view into the open kitchen. Toshimi Saito is working hard on the dishes. So many big pots in the kitchen.
History
Toshimi Saito (42) told me that the gods have send him to Schiedam. He once stayed in Schiedam in an AirBnb, there he fell in love with the small city. He saw the empty store on the corner of Parkweg next to water and windmills and he knew he wanted to start his noodle shop there. Now his adventure has started with Yokohama Ramen Saito.
Toshimi Saito comes from Yokohama. Before coming to Schiedam he has worked in Japan for 10 years at a company which makes noodles the traditional way. There he learned all the different methods of making noodles. From his blog I also learned that he has a noodle machine which he is customizing to perfection.
The menu
The menu has several ramen dishes and side dishes. Toshimi Saito is still experimenting and expanding his menu. On the day we visited (12 July 2017) he offers: pork broth ramen (soy sauce/miso), chicken broth ramen (soy sauce/miso), vegetarian soup and tantan ramen (a bit spicy, chicken, garlic, egg).
It is also possible to customize your ramen the way you like it. You can choose the chew level of the noodles, the amount of sauce and the amount of oil. I found the ramen a bit too oily, so the next time I will choose less oil. Also if you are a big eater, you can order an extra portion of noodles. You can even change the sauce and soup after serving. What an excellence service!
The food
I ordered the Tonkastu soy sauce ramen, a pork broth. I wanted to experience the most general ramen soup and in my opinion that is the pork broth. Also I wanted no other taste makers than the broth and some soy sauce.
The pork broth soup is very thick and creamy. A bit too much oil for me when slurping the noodles, but afterwards when I drank all the soup (kanmaku), it didn’t feel oily at all. The taste is soft, not too salty, just enough taste. The noodles are a bit wider than I have eaten before, but I like it! You have more bite. The noodles are all freshly made with local ingredients. For example, the flour comes from the windmill across his restaurant.
The pork meat was so thick and soft. Usually you get one piece of pork meat, but since we had to wait for some time we got some extra meat. I loved the burned onion pieces in the soup. There are also some vegetables, but I wish the next time there is also bamboo, because I love bamboo. Good to know: they only use halal chicken.
Since 2019 they also serve tsukemen, which is dipping ramen. Read the review about the tsukemen.
Price
The price is 9 euro per noodle dish. That is very cheap for the quality you get!
It is also possible to take out. I like the fact that you can give your feedback about the food and other stuff. They keep on improving!
Quoting Lazy Bear:
“This was the best ramen I have ever eaten outside of Asia. I am coming back for more.”
Yes, we will… yes, we will…
[4 Dec 2017, 4.5 month later I have visited Yokohama Ramen Saito 10+ times. After the Japan trip I can conclude: Saito’s ramen is just like the top ramen of Japan, maybe even better… We are so lucky here in the Netherlands ^^ ]
Time for you guys to visit them. Let’s make this the most raging Japanese ramen shop from the Netherlands! 😀
Yokohama Ramen Saito
Parkweg 406, 3119 CV Schiedam
+31 (0)6 4112 9532
shunmenblog.wordpress.com
Facebook (updates about opening times and workshops)
Wed – Sat 17:00-21:30 (dinner)
Sun 12:00-16:30 (lunch)
Mon & Tue Closed
I had never eaten ramen before. It was absolutely delicious! We will come back. Ans it was so funny: we were the only Dutch people there. Alle Japanese!! So it must be good. So happy that Toshimi Saito fell in love with Schiedam 😉
Good to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing your experience 🤗
This is your best blog post yet Lazy Pig! Your enthusiasm comes through so well in your story, and I like the extra information that I wouldn’t normally get if I would visit the shop myself. The small video gives me enough to see for a sneak peek into the shop too 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Love,
Lazy Penguin
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