The Chinese restaurant “Shunrai” in Ozu town is popular for its reasonably priced lunches. 

This popular spot offers an array of authentic Chinese dishes at affordable prices, with a lunch menu that features both familiar names and some you might not hear every day. Among these, a dish named “虾仁汤面” caught my eye – labeled as “shrimp salt noodles” in Japanese, it’s not something you come across frequently! Upon ordering, I was served a satisfying bowl of noodles in a light Chinese soup, brimming with vegetables and plump shrimp.

Chinese Restaurant “Chun Lei”in Ozu Town

Chinese restaurant Chun Lei is located on the east side of Ozu Central Park in Ozu Town and serves authentic Chinese cuisine at affordable prices.

It is a spacious restaurant with counter and table seating, but it is so popular at lunchtime that it fills up quickly.

I visited the restaurant a little after the peak, but it still was full of customers until around 1:30 p.m.

There are two main options for lunch, a rotating daily set meal, or Mapo Tofu set lunch, each for 700 yen. In addition to the lunch menu, there are three special set meals for 1,000 yen each.

The variety of noodle dishes, all priced at 850 yen, includes recognizable names like Dan Dan noodles, but some, like “虾仁汤面,” were challenging to read. 

Asking the staff, I learned it’s pronounced “Xiaren Tangmian,” with “虾仁” meaning shrimp, “汤” meaning soup, and “面” meaning noodles. Unfamiliar but intrigued, I decided to give this shrimp noodle dish a try!

The size and succulence of the shrimp! 

 This dish of “虾仁汤面” (aka “shrimp noodles in salt-flavoured broth”), might not look that huge in photos, but it’s generously portioned.

 The soup, true to its name, is a salty Chinese broth, distinct yet subtle, different from typical ramen broth.

 The noodles are thin and straight, slightly different from typical Japanese ramen but deliciously slurpable. It is delicious, with a light and smooth texture.

There are plenty of vegetables in the soup, but it really feels like a soup ingredient.

The kikurage (wood-ear mushrooms) are huge!

And what makes me most happy is the shrimp! It doesn’t tarnish our image of a name of this dish.

The shrimp are so big and plump that they could be used in a shrimp chili. 

It goes perfectly with the soup and is very satisfying!

The Best Place for Lunch in Ozu Town!

 “Sh” in Ozu Town is a hidden gem where you can enjoy authentic flavors at reasonable prices. Having tried and enjoyed the unique 虾仁汤面 this time, I’m eager to explore the rest of the menu! Tucked away in a residential area just off the main road, it’s a spot well worth a visit!

Shunrai