Where to Eat the Best Ramen in Tokyo

Ramen, the quintessential Japanese dish, has been a staple of the country’s cuisine for centuries. From its humble origins as a cheap, quick meal to its modern-day status as a gourmet delicacy, ramen has evolved over the years to become one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. If you’re in Tokyo and looking for the best bowl of ramen, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover the top spots in the city for slurping up a delicious bowl of ramen.

Kazuya Ramen

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s trendy Shinjuku district, Kazuya Ramen is a cozy little spot that specializes in shio (salt-based) ramen. The broth here is made with a unique blend of chicken and pork bones, and the noodles are made in-house daily. The shop is known for its generous portions and friendly service, and it’s always busy during lunchtime. Try the signature shio ramen, or if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the spicy miso ramen.

Ippudo Ramen

One of the most beloved ramen chains in the city, Ippudo Ramen has become a staple of Tokyo’s dining scene. The shop specializes in tonkotsu ramen, a pork-based broth that’s creamy and rich in flavor. The noodles here are thick and chewy, and the generous portions mean you’ll always leave feeling full. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the spicy miso ramen or the shoyu ramen with pork belly.

Takano Ramen

Tucked away in the backstreets of Tokyo’s Asakusa district, Takano Ramen is a hidden gem. The shop specializes in tsukemen, a type of ramen where the noodles and broth are served separately. The noodles are thick and chewy, and the broth is a rich and flavorful blend of pork and chicken bones. The shop also serves a variety of side dishes, such as gyoza and karaage, to round out your meal.

Kagari

Located in the upscale Ginza district, Kagari is a Michelin-starred ramen shop that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. The shop specializes in shoyu ramen, a soy-based broth that’s light and savory. The noodles here are thin and springy, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. For an extra special treat, try the signature Kagari ramen, which comes with a generous portion of pork belly.

Afuri Ramen

For those looking for a healthier take on ramen, Afuri Ramen is the place to go. The shop specializes in yuzu shio ramen, a light and flavorful broth made with yuzu citrus and sea salt. The noodles here are thin and springy, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. The shop also serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great spot for those looking for a light and healthy meal.

Menya Musashi

Menya Musashi is a popular chain of ramen shops that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. The shop specializes in shoyu ramen, a soy-based broth that’s light and savory. The noodles here are thick and chewy, and the generous portions mean you’ll always leave feeling full. The shop also serves a variety of side dishes, such as gyoza and karaage, to round out your meal.

Rokurinsha

Rokurinsha is a popular chain of ramen shops that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. The shop specializes in tsukemen, a type of ramen where the noodles and broth are served separately. The noodles here are thick and chewy, and the broth is a rich and flavorful blend of pork and chicken bones. The shop also serves a variety of side dishes, such as gyoza and karaage, to round out your meal.

Tsujita Ramen

Tsujita Ramen is a popular ramen shop in the trendy Shibuya district. The shop specializes in tsukemen, a type of ramen where the noodles and broth are served separately. The noodles here are thick and chewy, and the broth is a rich and flavorful blend of pork and chicken bones. The shop also serves a variety of side dishes, such as gyoza and karaage, to round out your meal.

Ginza Ippudo

Ginza Ippudo is a Michelin-starred ramen shop located in the upscale Ginza district. The shop specializes in tonkotsu ramen, a pork-based broth that’s creamy and rich in flavor. The noodles here are thick and chewy, and the generous portions mean you’ll always leave feeling full. For an extra special treat, try the signature Ippudo ramen, which comes with a generous portion of pork belly.

Yushoken

Yushoken is a popular ramen shop in the trendy Shibuya district. The shop specializes in shoyu ramen, a soy-based broth that’s light and savory. The noodles here are thin and springy, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. The shop also serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great spot for those looking for a light and healthy meal.

Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran Ramen is a popular chain of ramen shops that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. The shop specializes in tonkotsu ramen, a pork-based broth that’s creamy and rich in flavor. The noodles here are thick and chewy, and the generous portions mean you’ll always leave feeling full. The shop also serves a variety of side dishes, such as gyoza and karaage, to round out your meal.

Kamukura Ramen

Kamukura Ramen is a popular ramen shop in the trendy Shibuya district. The shop specializes in shio (salt-based) ramen. The broth here is made with a unique blend of chicken and pork bones, and the noodles are made in-house daily. The shop is known for its generous portions and friendly service, and it’s always busy during lunchtime. Try the signature shio ramen, or if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the spicy miso ramen.

Summary

Tokyo is a paradise for ramen lovers, with a wide variety of ramen shops specializing in different styles of the classic dish. From shio ramen to tonkotsu ramen, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy meal or a rich and flavorful bowl of noodles, there’s a ramen shop in Tokyo that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab a bowl of ramen and get slurping!