[Tokyo · food] Ramen Kamo to Negi Sugamo: The pure and deep flavor of duck and leek in a clear golden broth

In February 2024, I visited "Ramen Kamo to Negi" in the Sugamo area of Tokyo. While their main branch in Ueno is famous for its long queues, the Sugamo branch offers a more relaxed environment to enjoy a bowl of high-quality ramen. The soup is made only from duck, leek, and water—a simple philosophy that results in a surprisingly deep and clean taste.

📍 1. Convenient Location Near Sugamo Station

The shop is just a short walk from Sugamo Station, making it very easy to find even for first-time visitors.

The prominent green sign and the large white lantern at the entrance are hard to miss. The traditional Japanese wooden exterior gives the shop a calm and welcoming feel before you even step inside.

📍 2. Choosing Your Meal at the Vending Machine (Note on Pricing)

Like many local ramen shops, you order your meal through a vending machine at the entrance.

In addition to the standard "Duck Ramen," they offer varieties like wonton or confit duck. Their side dishes, such as the "Drinkable Oyako-don" and the "Duck Kakiage-don," are also very popular. One unique feature here is the "Negi selection," where you can choose two types of seasonal leeks as your topping from a list of three options.

Please Note: This review is based on my visit in February 2024. Menu items and prices may have changed since then, so please refer to the latest prices at the shop.

📍 3. A Beautifully Clear Golden Broth

I decided to go with their signature set menu for a complete experience.

The moment the bowl arrived, the savory aroma of the broth filled the air. The soup is a beautiful golden color and perfectly clear. On the first sip, the rich umami of the duck spreads across your palate, balanced by a gentle soy sauce saltiness. It is light yet incredibly flavorful—a bowl you could finish easily until the last drop.

📍 4. The Perfect Balance of Ingredients

The star of the show is the duck, but the leeks and noodles play their parts perfectly.

The duck meat is slow-cooked at a low temperature, resulting in a very tender and moist texture. The grilled leeks are sweet and juicy, offering a great contrast to the richness of the duck fat. The thin noodles, made with whole-grain flour, have a nice bite and carry the soup well. Halfway through, I added a bit of "Yuzu Kosho" from the counter, which added a refreshing citrus kick to the meal.

📍 5. A Satisfying Side Dish: Duck Kakiage-don

I also highly recommend trying the Duck Kakiage-don if you have a big appetite.

The crispy tempura fritter is packed with chunks of duck meat, and the sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the fluffy white rice. It’s a very satisfying way to round off the ramen meal.

📍 Store Information & Address

Name: Ramen Kamo to Negi - Sugamo Branch (らーめん 鴨&葱 巣鴨店)
Address: 1-11-4 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately a 1-minute walk from Sugamo Station (JR Yamanote Line or Toei Mita Line).

💡 Ryobiyori’s Travel Notes: 

Compared to the Ueno location, the Sugamo branch usually has shorter wait times, especially during weekdays or late afternoons. Since the leek selections change with the seasons, every visit offers a slightly different flavor profile. If you are exploring the "Old Ladies' Harajuku" (Jizo-dori Shopping Street) in Sugamo, this ramen shop is an excellent choice for a high-quality local lunch.