Ramen Mexico City / Jametaro, The kings of ramen in Santa María la Ribera
A small place in Santa María la Ribera with a small menu and a big waiting line.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
Let's think a bit about the ramen we've all tried. The word comes from the Chinese "lamian," which has four possible meanings, although the most interesting seems to be "to stretch noodles." Ramen was invented in China around the 17th century and arrived in Japan, specifically in the city of Yokohama, at the end of the 19th century. Japan then appropriated it, turning it into one of its signature dishes.
Who invented Jametaro?
Mashiuro Kunashige, a Japanese national, designed this restaurant in 2019 with two tables and an L-shaped bar; adorned with knick-knacks from Mexican markets. The name Jametaro is also an invention: it starts with "Ja," the first two letters of Japan; "me," those of Mexico; and ends with "taro," which, they explain, is a common name in the land of the rising sun. They also say that the curtain at the entrance is over 100 years old. (Be careful when entering).
The most sought-after ramen in the north of CDMX
There are four types of ramen that can be tried at Jametaro: the miso, whose noodles are made from soy paste (rice, barley, rye, and salt), contains pork, soy germ, chives, and ginger (many have considered it their favorite). The soy ramen, which is prepared with a soy concentrate base, noodles, pork, egg, chives, and ginger. While the base of the salt ramen is made from charal, seaweed, shrimp, Japanese mushroom, pork, egg, corn, butter, and, of course, chives and ginger. The vegetarian, of course, omits the pork.
A small drawback, although everyone proclaims that "it's worth it," is that probably, given the narrowness of Jametaro, at lunchtime, around 3 in the afternoon, you will have to wait a while. While you do, imagine that, to start, there are gyozas and harumakis (spring rolls with chicken or shrimp), yakimeshi or gohan. If the heat attacks you, kill it with an orange water with ginger.
- What we love and you should try: the ramen.
- What we don't like so much: the waiting line.
- Address: Eligio Ancona 167-A, Santa María la Ribera, CDMX
- Hours and days of operation: Thursday to Tuesday, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: lunch.
- Payment: cash and cards.
- Accessibility: no.
- Parking: no.
- Reservations: no.
- Phone: 55 3273 7337
- Nearby public transportation: Metro San Cosme.
- Pet Friendly: yes.
- Suitable to go with children: yes.
- Vegan options: yes.
