Ramen, a Japanese culinary icon, has captured hearts and taste buds worldwide. Tokyo, Japan’s culinary capital, boasts a vibrant ramen scene, with countless shops offering their unique takes on this beloved dish. In 2024, get ready to slurp your way through the best ramen Tokyo has to offer as we uncover hidden gems and renowned establishments on this culinary journey.
About Ramen
Ramen, a beloved Japanese dish, is a noodle soup with a rich history and diverse regional variations. It has become a global culinary phenomenon, captivating food enthusiasts worldwide with its complex flavors and comforting warmth.
What is Ramen?
Ramen typically consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, often made from meat or fish. Chefs top it with various ingredients like sliced pork (chashu), dried seaweed (nori), bamboo shoots (menma), and green onions (negi). The broth, however, is the heart and soul of ramen, with regional variations like Tokyo’s shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, Sapporo’s miso ramen, and Hakata’s tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen.
Tokyo-style ramen, also known as chuka soba (中華そば), is distinct for its clear, soy sauce-based broth, often combining chicken and fish stock. The noodles are typically thin and slightly curly, offering a delicate texture that contrasts with the richness of the broth. Common toppings include chashu, menma, negi, and sometimes a sheet of nori or a boiled egg.
Moreover, ramen serves as a canvas for culinary creativity. Chefs experiment with different types of noodles, broths, toppings, and seasonings to create their unique signature bowls. The possibilities are endless, making ramen a dish you can enjoy repeatedly without ever getting bored.
History of Ramen
Ramen’s roots trace back to China, where noodle soups have been a staple for centuries. However, ramen didn’t reach Japan until the late 19th century, initially appearing in Chinese restaurants in Yokohama’s Chinatown. By the early 20th century, ramen gained popularity in Tokyo, thanks to the 1910 opening of Rairaiken in Asakusa. Rairaiken often receives credit for establishing the foundation of modern ramen, introducing elements like chashu and menma as toppings.
Over the years, ramen has evolved and diversified, with each region developing its own unique style. Today, ramen is a beloved national dish in Japan, with countless variations to suit every taste. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative creations pushing the boundaries of flavor, ramen continues to be a source of culinary inspiration and delight.
Best Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo
Get ready to slurp your way through Tokyo’s vibrant ramen scene with these must-visit restaurants in 2024:
Ramenya Toy Box
Ramenya Toy Box is a popular ramen shop located just 2 minutes from Minowa-bashi Station on the Toden Arakawa Line and Minowa Station on the Hibiya Line. Their signature “Shoyu Ramen” is a rich broth made from five types of chicken, including Aizu Jidori and Nagoya Cochin, blended with raw soy sauce and aged soy sauce. The chicken oil used to flavour the broth adds depth to the umami of the chicken. Ramenya Toy Box has won the Michelin Tokyo Bib Gourmand Award several times and has been listed in the Tabelog Ramen Top 100 for seven consecutive years.
Craft Ramen BiT (Iriya)
This newcomer to Tokyo’s ramen scene, Craft Ramen BiT, opened in February 2024. It’s helmed by a former manager of the popular “Ramen Kai” in Kuramae. The restaurant is known for its innovative “Consommé Ramen,” featuring a deep and flavorful broth made with venison and chicken. If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a seat without waiting in line! But don’t wait too long, because word might get out and you’ll miss out!
Japanese Ramen Gokan
We’re so excited to introduce you to Japanese Ramen Gokan, which opened in April 2023 in Ikebukuro. This wonderful restaurant prides itself on using only the best, natural ingredients from Japan. Their popular “Tokujō Shio Ramen” is a real treat! It features a delicate balance of chicken and shellfish broth, topped with three types of chashu (pork, chicken, and duck). Just a heads-up: They operate on a first-come, first-served basis using a sign-up sheet, so be sure to arrive early!
Ramen Nagi Shinjuku Golden Gai Main Store
If you’re looking for a truly intense niboshi (dried sardine) ramen experience, Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai is the place for you! Their amazing “Sugoi Niboshi Ramen” is made with a rich broth made with over 20 varieties of dried sardines, and paired with chewy, medium-thick noodles.
Ramen Tatsunoya Shinjuku
If you’re looking for something truly special, Ramen Ryu no Ya Shinjuku Kotakibashi-dori Branch is the place for you! This chain with locations across Kyushu and other parts of Japan offers a unique “Tsukemen Motsu” (dipping noodles with offal) that you won’t find anywhere else. This dish is absolutely delicious! It features a rich, flavorful broth and tender, creamy motsu (offal), creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Mitsuyado Sei-men Ikebukuro
写真提供: http://idc-mitsuyado.com
You’ll find it on the second floor of a building along Ikebukuro’s Sunshine 60 Street. It is a stylish and modern place to enjoy our specialty tsukemen (dipping noodles). Their popular “Marutoku Tsukemen” is a hearty dish with a rich, pork and seafood-based dipping sauce, topped with a variety of ingredients, including a soft-boiled egg and tender chashu. The fresh yuzu zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!
The Tabelog Award
“The Tabelog Award” is an annual restaurant award. It is decided by regular diners, not by food critics. The top restaurants for 2023 were chosen from about 850,000 restaurants across Japan. They received the highest ratings from Tabelog users and were awarded “Gold”, “Silver”, “Bronze”, or “Category Award”. As the food industry continues to recover, we celebrate the chefs who are passionate about creating delicious food and the people who love to eat it.
In addition to our recommended ramen restaurants, please take a look at these award-winning restaurants and visit them if you get a chance.
Takeaway
Ramen is a Japanese favorite, but food trends come and go fast. Every year, new ramen restaurants open in Tokyo, trying to please noodle lovers. 2024 is no exception, with new shops trying new flavors and ideas.
From unusual broths with unexpected ingredients to creative toppings, Tokyo’s ramen scene shows the city’s culinary creativity. So, whether you’re an expert or just curious, join us as we explore the vibrant world of Tokyo ramen in 2024. Get ready to discover hidden gems and taste the future of this iconic Japanese dish.
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