Unique Summer Ramen: Truffle Cat Foot Kombu Soba
A delightful culinary experience awaits ramen enthusiasts this summer in Shinjuku. Scheduled to launch on June 15, 2026, Bushimaru introduces their summer-exclusive dish, the ‘Truffle Cat Foot Kombu Soba’. This unique dish features the rare ‘Cat Foot Kombu’ sourced from Kushiro, Hokkaido, alongside fresh noodles and aromatic truffle salt.
What Makes It Special?
Unlike traditional dipping noodles, this ramen combines the chill of kombu water and freshly shaved bonito flakes for a refreshingly flavorful dish. The noodles, made with premium Haruyutaka flour, are quickly cooled post-boiling, ensuring a firm and chewy texture that withstands the cool kombu broth.
The Unique Ingredient: Cat Foot Kombu
The standout feature of this dish is the ‘Cat Foot Kombu’, which derives its name from the root's resemblance to a cat's paw. This dried kelp, known for its exceptional elasticity and sweetness, is a rare find from Hokkaido's eastern region. The distinctive name adds an element of curiosity and allure, ensuring this ramen is a talking point for diners.
Bushimaru has carefully crafted a rich, thick broth that retains the unique flavors of the kombu, making this cold ramen a standout dish for those looking to savor a soothing yet hearty meal.
Flavorful Additions: Nira and Shaved Bonito
Accompanying the noodles are blanched nira (garlic chives), cooled in water to minimize any pungency and enhance their natural sweetness. Finished with sesame oil, they provide a subtle aroma and crunch that perfectly complements the dish. Their vibrant green color adds an inviting summer aesthetic, making this ramen not only satisfying to eat but visually appealing as well.
Each order includes freshly shaved bonito flakes, served separately, allowing diners to unleash their preferences and enhance the umami flavor of the ramen. The combination of the cold noodles, thick kombu broth, and the delicate hint of truffle creates a unique eating experience that reflects Bushimaru's dedication to traditional flavors with a modern twist.
Early Sales Success
Before its official release, Bushimaru introduced the ramen through a pre-sale from June 1 to June 14, 2026. During this period, they averaged eight bowls sold per day, peaking at 13. Diners expressed their intrigue about the unusual name and praised the mildness of the nira. The ability to customize the flavor with truffle salt also received glowing feedback.
Menu Details
- - Product Name: Truffle Cat Foot Kombu Soba
- - Launch Date: June 15, 2026
- - Availability: Summer only
- - Price: ¥1,650 (tax included); without nira: ¥1,450
- - Location: Bushimaru KINOKUNIYA Main Branch
- - Style: Cold kombu water ramen
- - Key Ingredients: Hokkaido Cat Foot Kombu kombu water, Haruyutaka flour noodles, truffle salt, fresh bonito flakes, chashu, menma, red onion, Kujo green onion, blanched nira.
Developer’s Insights
At Bushimaru, we take pride in utilizing freshly shaved bonito flakes and ingredients sourced from across Japan. Creating a cold ramen offers our diners a unique way to experience our signature broth even in warm weather. We aimed to redefine how kombu water is enjoyed, steering away from the traditional dipping style, focusing instead on a sumptuous bowl of ramen that encapsulates flavors of truffle, kombu, and umami in every bite.
Visit Us
Bushimaru is located in the KINOKUNIYA building at Shinjuku, Tokyo. Operating from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily, we welcome ramen lovers to come and enjoy our latest summer creation!
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