Let’s start with the core question: what defines a real RAMEN?
Real Japanese ramen is not the average instant noodles you see on supermarket shelves.
Real ramen is a thing of astounding beauty when done right. You sit in a small, comfy, and inviting eatery waiting for a Japanese chef to throw in that alkaline water in their dough-making until a complex and chewy batch of noodles is ready behind the counter.
Japan is no short of the best ramen spots. But if I have to pick one place over the other, that’s Tokyo.
The best ramen spots in Tokyo only have a few selections on their menu, mostly centered around meat type or which level of spiciness you desire.
For that reason, it won’t take much effort to order even if you don’t speak the language.
In this ultimate collection, I’ll walk you through my eight favorite ramen spots in Tokyo.
It won’t take you too long to pick your favorite spot out of this list since I only break it down briefly and include a detailed food review under each spot so you can save it for later.
Now let’s dive right in.
Ichiran Ramen
Unforgettable Rich Soup, Delicious Noodles
Undoubtedly, Ichiran Ramen is the most talked-about ramen in Tokyo, this big ramen chain never disappoints as you can easily see how many local white collars spill in this place after work. Ichiran is inarguably the best representation of tonkotsu (pork bones) ramen you’ve ever had.
Food Reviews & Ordering Method: Ichiran Ramen Roppongi Store
Ginza Kagari Matsutake Chicken White Soup Ramen
Tokyo Michelin Food Reviews Must Be Recommended
Ginza Kagari brings you an explosion of umami heaven on the palate. The store is known for its tori paitan using long-stewed chicken stock for hours before they soak it with ramen noodles. The result? A good amount of chicken fat is completely sealed in the stock and it won’t take long until you recognize that delightful warmth in each slurp.
Food Journal & Ordering Method: Ginza Kagari Truffle Chicken Soup Ramen
Afuri Ramen
Michelin Guide’s Most Popular Light-Taste Chain Ramen Shop for Mature Women
Speaking of the best ramen in Tokyo, it’s a big mistake to not throw Afuri into the mix. Here you will be welcomed by a super friendly staff whose job is to make you feel like dining at home. The ramen is served with either chicken broth, veggie stock, or yuzu (citrus).
Oh, talking about Yuzu, my heart can’t stop the excitement! It’s definitely Afuri’s specialty and they should be proud of what they bring to Tokyo.
Food Reviews & Ordering Method: AFURI Yuzu Salt Ramen
Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto Ramen
Spicy Ma Po Ramen that is Super Delicious
The owner, Makoto Shirane, got so upset when his beloved ramen spot was shut down, so he decided to run one on his own.
And that’s the story behind Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto, the spiciest ramen you’ve ever had in Tokyo.
The biggest hook? That lava-red broth. He puts a bit of salt in the soup too but that decadent heat is too outstanding to be ignored. And then, plenty of stir-fried veggies and pork are slashed on top.
Food Reviews & Ordering Method：Mongolian Tanmen Nakamoto Ramen
Tori no Ana Ramen
Japanese young women love it, it’s refreshing and contains a lot of collagen protein
Not too far from Ikebukuro station, Tori no Ana is dubbed as one of the must-try ramen in Tokyo thanks to its hearty yet not overwhelmingly greasy broth. To create a desired bowl of chicken ramen Tokyoites pay top dollars for, the chefs here have to stew everything from bones to feet and flesh for six hours straight, using locally sourced chickens all the way from Aomori Prefecture.
Food Journal & Ordering Method: Tori no Ana Chicken White Soup Ramen
Rokurinsha Ramen
Crowds of Exaggeration Just for a Taste of Popularity
If you’re looking for the best place to eat near Tokyo Station, Rokurinsha should not be overlooked.
The main thrill here is an extensive “ramen street” where about eight different ramen restaurants team up with one another to compete for your attention. Amongst them, Rokurinsha is definitely an outstanding option. It’s barely easy to see no queue here. So be prepared to join a 30-minute line before finding yourself a lucky seat inside.
Here you don’t have to bother with an epic menu because they make it as simple as possible to pick your favorite. Three main choices come forward, including Tsukemen, Ajitaman Tsukemen with flavored boiled egg, and Tokusei, an assorted-topping ramen.
Food Journal & Ordering Method: Rokurinsha (Ichiban-gai Station, Tokyo)
Tokyo Station Ikaruga Ramen
Tokyo’s Most Popular Katsuobushi Tonkotsu Ramen
Lied underneath the First Avenue Tokyo Station mall, Ikaruga is another great spot you can find on the Ramen Street of Tokyo Station. Thick tonkotsu ramen serves as a stronghold if you’re unsure what to order. However, if you wanna spice things up a little bit, bonito and mackerel ramens guarantee to delight your taste buds with their unique seafood flavor.
Food Journal & Ordering Method：【Tokyo Station Food】Ikaruga Ramen
Mutekiya Ramen
Legendary Must-Eat Food in Ikebukuro
A proximity to JR Ikebukuro Station takes you to Mutekiya. Nourished by generations of the same family, Mutekiya’s flare has been taking Tokyo by storm with its char siew ramen which is believed to be one of the best sellers here as the locals attested.
For me, they’ve picked the right flavor. The meat is heavenly tender with a desired thickness. Marinated to perfection yet each slice barely loses its original meaty flavor. The broth is wonderfully flavorsome and it blends so well with that richness you never get enough of.
Food Journal & Ordering Method: Mutekiya Ramen in Ikebukuro
Ramen is no doubt a signature Japanese cuisine you cannot miss in Tokyo. But that shouldn’t be the only option to stop you from trying some more.
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