Maru Japanese Noodle owner Yoshimi Tashima knows a thing or two about healthy eating.
Our February 2020 feature on Tashima, who also owns Yoshimatsu, provides extensive details about her path to restaurateur, but to sum it all up, it all started in 2001:
In 2001, Tashima was diagnosed with cancer and turned to food for healing. In order to get as healthy as possible, she focused on eating well, cooking at home and using simple, well-sourced ingredients.
While Maru, as its name states is a noodle shop, Tashima doesn’t rest on her laurels with a static, unchanging menu. Items are added or taken away seasonally and in this time of crisis, she’s even added immunity boosting ramen option.
The Kinoko Mushroom Ramen ($11.95) features three kinds mushroom, including maitake Mushroom, which according to studies cited by Dr. Andrew Weil, “…contain chemicals that may enhance the immune system and provide anti-cancer properties. A 2009 human trial at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center found that Maitake appeared to stimulate the immune systems of breast cancer patients. Other studies have also shown that Maitake can stimulate immune system cells in cancer patients.” Maitake translates to “dancing mushroom.” According to Tashima, when people find maitake mushrooms in the mountain, they’re so glad to findthe very rare delicious mushroom that they start dancing.
The Kinoko Mushroom Ramen also includes Shimeji and Eringi mushrooms. This ramen includes butter for flavor but a vegan option is available with rice noodles and no butter.
Another new immunity boosting ramen at Maru is Yuzu Asari Clam Ramen ($16.95). This ramen features a shio broth with yuzu citrus. According to Healthline, yuzu, “may provide several benefits, including reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.”
Lastly, there’s Yuzu Baked Tofu Ramen ($13.95) which also includes yuzu citrus. This ramen is served in a vegetarian shoyu broth. Shoyu broths, for those less knowledgable about different types of ramen, is a soy sauce based broth. The Yuzu Baked Tofu ramen is also available with rice noodles for a vegan option.
All three immunity boosting ramen bowls include 6 ounces of noodles and 16 ounces of broth, making it a hearty noodle bowl serving.
‘Tis the season… for cold ramen
If hot ramen isn’t your thing, Tashima rolls out a variety of cold ramen bowls every year once the weather warms up. That time is now.
The cold ramen bowls feature cold egg noodles, egg, tomato, bok choy and a pour-on wasabi sauce. Current options include Kinoko Mushroom ($12.50), Chicken ($12.50), Shrimp & Scallop ($16.95), and Filet Mignon ($16.50). Once summer officially arrives, look for two additional options: crab and ikura.
Maru Japanese Noodle Shop is located at 1370 N. Silverbell Rd. in the Alberson’s shopping center and open from 11-8 p.m. daily for takeout and delivery (via Grubhub). More info available at marunoodle.com.
This article was produced in partnership with Maru Japanese Noodle Shop. Learn more about Tucson Foodie promotional opportunities.
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