Three of the most Famous Ramen Shops around Tokyo

I tend to go off the beaten path and search for local gems instead of what is already known to be famous or popular. However, this time I decided to switch it up. Also, I’m kind of running out of places to try. These three ramen shops I’m going to mention are some extremely popular locations with wait times as long as 3 hours long on some days. With reputations like that, I had to see what all the fuss was about.

1. Mutekiya

Located about 3 mins from Ikebukuros east exit on the corner of a busy street, lies this award winning ramen shop. A famous Tonkotsu (pork bone based) shop with a line down the street at basically all hours. I recommend planning accordingly.

They serve 1,000 bowls a day and once they run out, too bad. Also, There’s only about 17 seats inside, so the wait can get pretty long.

Unlike most ramen shops there is no ticket ordering machine. You have to order with the staff, however since travelers from all over the world come to see what all the fuss is about, they have a very easy to understand menu in 4 different languages (with pictures).

I really loved all of the free spices and sauces at the table you can add to really customize your meal. They even served free hot tea.

I decided to be basic *Rolls eyes* and just order the most recommended dish which was the #1 recommended normal Tonkostu. It came with an egg and THE BIGGEST AMOUNT OF CHASHU (pork) I’VE EVER HAD IN A BOWL OF RAMEN! I kid you not, there was a whole pig in there. The meat contained plenty of the fatty upper layer of pork which made for a great flavor.

I also ordered gyoza which, was really delicious. The normal ramens size is somewhere between a medium and large. In my opinion, with all that pork it will easily fill you up. However, if you have a big appetite, go ahead and request a larger size, it is completely free of charge! All sizes are the same price.

Overall, I think the broth was obviously on another level and the pork was plentiful and yummy. However not my favorite in terms of Tonkotsu ramen.

The Broth: 9

The Pork: 8.5

The Noodles: 6

For me the noodles are the most important part. However, I do have biased taste buds favoring deep flavored, spicy, rich, thick or sour tastes.

This ramen is very well balanced with a rich yet light pork flavor. Personally, I would’ve like a little more kick but, I’m sure it would easily rate a 10 for most.

MAP

2. Yoshimuraya

Located a good 10 mins away from Yokohama station (Exit 5) you can find the birthplace of iekei-style ramen! Iekei ramen is a unique blend of Tonkostu and soy sauce ramen broths. Being the originator you can expect to wait anywhere from 1-2 hours. I waited about 40 minutes before I could go in.

You order from a machine which is color coordinated. I cant lie I was totally confused and just got the recommended Purple ramen. They had a small English guide for some of the menu. You can customize the soup, oil and noodles texture which is very appealing.

The ramen was very strong and flavorful. Actually, this was the first time in my life I ate something that was too salty. I highly recommend getting a slightly toned down ramen. The broth was just too salty for me I could barely finish.

However, I was still able to tell how impressive it was. With all that being said, I almost had a heart attack when I tried the Chashu (pork)! Hands down the absolute best Chasu I’ve ever had, ever. So flavorful, soft and delicious. It had a smokey flavored as if if was smoked over coal for days. I could easily just eat a bowl of the pork alone for the rest of my life.

Broth: 0

The Noodles: 8.5

The Pork: 10 (Out of this world)

Although the ramen I tried was too salty, thanks to the pork I plan on coming back again to try a different style of ramen.

MAP

3. Japanese Soba Noodle Tsuta

Located in the backstreets of the south exit of Sugamo station is a legendary soba shop. Soba-like ramen has become more and more popular recently. Although they’re technically soba noodles, which are more healthy and have a completely different flavor, these noodles tasted just like ramen noodles.

Due to its popularity, visiting this shop can be very confusing. You can’t just show up and eat. You need to go inside and request a ticket for the number of people you’d like and the specific time frame you’d like. Also, you need to give them a 10$ deposits for each person. Don’t lose your ticket or miss your time or else you will not be given your deposit back.

I believe they only sell around 100 bowls a day and can easily sell out early so I recommend getting there before 1pm at the latest.

Around the time of your ticket, just make sure you’re in line ready to be called. You will be given your deposits back, asked to order via machine and them directed back into the line to wait again until a seat is open while they prepare your meal.

The inside is very small, with only around 8 or 10 seats. To my surprise, unlike many ramen shops it’s was very neat and clean. The ramen chefs worked so quietly and in a very focused manner. My only complaint was that it was too quiet. However, after sometime they turned on some background music.

Now down to the ramen! I’ve heard the menu changes often and at the time I went the main two types being sold were shio (salt) and Shoyu (soy sauce) based ramen. Both of which I don’t like much due to their light flavor.

Shio (salt) Ramen

Shoyu (soy sauce) Ramen

I ordered both and can honestly say they were both extremely delicious and well put together for a type of ramen which I usually hate. The soy sauce ramen for me was better than the salt ramen because it had a bit more of a deep flavor. Also, I ordered the ramen with wontons in it which came to be my favorite part of the whole dish. I found myself very full with the amount as well.

Shio ramen

If you are someone who prefers a slightly more natural, light, healthy flavored dish that focuses on the natural flavors of each ingredient, this is the place for you. I could see myself eating this if I was sick or had a tummy ache.

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