The city sights and shining lights of Tokyo are foreign to almost no one. As the capital of Japan, Tokyo has become an icon for many around the world. The cityscape, however, is not Tokyo’s only pride and joy. Tokyo is also the title-holder of the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. At a count of 304, it beats out Paris to be a culinary haven. Food like sushi has become synonymous with Japanese culinary culture. Closest to that is, of course, ramen. A warm, hearty bowl of ramen can turn a bad day into a good day and a good day into an even better one. For a hearty bowl of goodness, here are some of the most popular must-try ramen restaurants in Tokyo. Scroll down to find out more.
1. Nakiryu
Tucked away in the corner of a street, 10 minutes from Otsuka Station, is the world’s second ramen restaurant to be awarded the coveted Michelin star. Nakiryu is an unassuming ramen bar with flavors to die for. Google Nakirya and looking under images, you will be treated to an array of photos featuring ramen in a spicy-looking broth. What you are seeing is Nakirya’s special - TanTanMen. It is ramen served in a sesame and red pepper broth and topped with minced pork. Unfortunately, Nakirya only has 10 seats in the restaurant. The small space might mean long waits and also a limit of one bowl per customer. With unique flavors and a price tag like that, though, Nakirya is definitely well worth the wait!
Nakiryu
Address: Japan, 〒170-0005 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiotsuka, 2 Chome−34−4 SKY南大塚
Website: Nakiryu
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm; Mon: 11:30am - 3pm (closed on Tue)
2. Halal Ramen Ouka
Tokyo’s culinary scene is not only diverse, but it is also suited for many personal dietary preferences. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku sits Halal Ramen Ouka, a halal-certified ramen restaurant. If you think the delight stops with the richness of flavor in the bowl of ramen, you will most definitely be surprised. Complementing the deliciousness is the friendly staff who ensure not just full tummies but also comfort. They also have vegan options.
Halal Ramen Ouka
Address: 1-11-7 Shinjuku 1F, Shinjuku 160-0022 Tokyo Prefecture
Website: Halal Ramen Ouka
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12.30pm - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 12.30pm - 10pm (closed on Fri)
3. Rokurinsha
There are many ways to have ramen - different broths, different hardness of the ramen noodles. One unique way is tsukemen - ramen served with dipping soup. When in Tokyo, one has to try tsukemen and there is no better place to try it than at Rokurinsha, dubbed the “godfather of tsukemen”. Rokurinsha serves a simple menu with three choices, ranging from a single bowl of tsukemen to tsukemen with boiled egg or a set with full toppings. To avoid the crowd, guests should avoid visiting in the evening. With a perfect pairing of precisely cooked cold ramen and warm broth, Rokurinsha’s tsukemen will definitely prove to be a redefining culinary experience.
Rokurinsha
Address: Tokyo Main Station: Tokyo Station Ichibangai Basement 1, Tokyo Ramen Street, OGGI JR東京駅構内店 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005
Website: Rokurinsha
Opening hours: 7.30am - 10am, 11am - 10.30pm (daily)
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4. Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu
If an explosion of flavors is what you are looking for, then Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu is definitely one ramen restaurant you must visit. Being the third ramen restaurant to be awarded the Michelin star award is a testament to the culinary experience at Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu. The signature dish at this ramen restaurant is their Shouyu Soba. The broth is made with not only pork but also clam. The blend of flavors is then accentuated by truffle sauce and porcini oil and flakes. This unique blend of flavors is matched with their own homemade ramen.
Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu
Address: 2-4-1 Shinjuku | No.22 Kyutei Mansion 1F, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: Sobahouse Konjikihototogisu
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 6.30pm - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Tokyo Tour Guide
Ayano
Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I will capture beautiful photos that will become lasting memories. Join my tour and let's explore Tokyo together!
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5. Ramen Kai
Posted by on Thursday, 21 September 2017
Located in Kuramae, Ramen Kai focuses on using clams, mussels and scallops to create broths that set it apart from pork-based broths. Lightly salted, the seafood flavor is accentuated once it enters the mouth. The thick ramen soaks up the broth well, ensuring that every mouthful is accompanied by rich flavor. Apart from the signature clam broth ramen, they also serve limited-edition ramen, made from a variety of ingredients from seafood to meat. Be sure to ask the staff if they are available! Otherwise, the clam broth ramen is enough to convince someone to make more than one visit to Ramen Kai.
Ramen Kai
Address: 4-20-10 Kuramae | Miyauchi Bldg.1F, Taito 111-0051, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: Ramen Kai
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5.30pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)
6. Tsuta
1/30All About http://forf.allabout.co.jp/sp/feature/1578/8/
Posted by Japanese Soba Noodles on Thursday, 31 January 2013
Arguably, the most renowned ramen restaurant is Tsuta, which means soba. It actually earned its Michelin star with its ramen dishes. There are a variety of ramen items to choose from, ranging from Shoyu to Shio based broths. You can also have your ramen tsukemen style. While their shoyu-based items are highly recommended (they use soy sauce that are patiently aged for two years!), Tsuta’s culinary quality across the entire menu will leave you spoiled for choice. Dining here is not quite straightforward though. Diners first go to the restaurant to queue for a ticket that allocates timeslots to return. Since the tickets are limited, ticket quantities can be checked on twitter (@number_ticket). These time slots are for every other hour starting at 11 am. When their allocated time slot is approaching, diners return to queue, receive their deposit refund and make their orders. The order is made at a vending machine so prepare enough cash. Albeit a little more complicated, rest assured that Tsuta’s culinary experience will definitely justify the hassle.
Tsuta
Address: Japan, 〒151-0066 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Nishihara, 3 Chome−2, 2-4 B1
Website: Tsuta
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Thu)
7. Mugi to Olive
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are in Ginza and all that shopping has gotten you hungry, look no further for a remedy than a bowl of ramen at Mugi to Olive. Located just five minutes from Higashi Ginza Station, Mugi to Olive serves up ramen with three types of broth - chicken, sardine or clams. If you just cannot make up your mind about which to go for, they offer a Tori Niboshi Hamaguri combination where all three broth flavors come to gather in a unique blend of tastes to satisfy you. The toppings of chicken, clams and potatoes add a playful twist to their ramen. While it does not come with the dish, you must definitely add a side of boiled egg that is made to runny-yolk perfection.
Mugi to Olive
Address: Ginza Terrace Bldg. 1F 6-12-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
8. Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara
Nestled in Akihabara district is Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara. As their name suggests, the restaurant serves up Kyushu styled, Tonkatsu ramen - that is, slow-broiled pork bone broth. The slow-broiling leaves Kyushu ramen stronger tasting than other ramen, and it is also creamier. For those looking to try the variety of ramen, Kyushu Jangara Ramen is the best restaurant to represent this particular style. The restaurant’s small interior also reflects Japanese culture. As such, Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara gives visitors a truly Japanese way of enjoying ramen. They also have a vegan option for those with dietary preferences.
Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara
Address: 3-11-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda 101-0021, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 11:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 11:30pm
9. Fūunji
While Fūunji serves both ramen and tsukemen, their specialty and uniqueness are derived from their tsukemen. Setting it apart is its broth - chicken-based stock dashed with fish powder. Its noodles carry with them a heavier egg taste, perfect for those with preferences for stronger flavors. Although the broth appears similar to Tonkotsu-based ramen, Fūunji’s broth is prepared entirely with chicken. Just 10 minutes away from Shinjuku Station’s south exit, the queue outside this restaurant is a good testimony to Fūunji’s deliciousness. However, if visiting, be sure to be patient and early. The queue outside is but a sample of what is inside.
Fūunji
Address: 2-14-3, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Website: Fūunji
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)
10. Kikanbo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kikanbo restaurant’s exterior and interior design appropriately reflect its specialty - fiery ramen prepared with chili pepper and Sichuan pepper. Kikanbo’s ramen is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Its fire-red broth is made up of pork broth mixed with miso paste, completed with the devils of chili and Sichuan pepper. Diners can either choose to have all toppings included or go for the original option to customize their ramen. Most interestingly, diners can choose from five levels of each pepper that will determine the spiciness of their ramen. Kikanbo’s ramen is served with thick slices of pork chasu, which are the star of the show. Kikanbo is definitely a must-visit for spice seekers.
Kikanbo
Address: 2 Chome-10-9 Kajicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0044, Japan
Website: Kikanbo
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
Japan's culinary culture
Ramen is certainly diverse in flavor and style. A cultural norm when eating ramen is to slurp audibly as a sign of approval for the dish’s tastiness. With these ramen places, it is almost guaranteed that you will slurp your way through the streets of Tokyo and Japan’s culinary culture.
History
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