Ramen
Photo from
Menso · Bunkyo City
The story
Ramen is a globally recognized Japanese noodle soup consisting of wheat noodles served in a savory broth, often accompanied by toppings such as sliced pork (chashu), dried seaweed (nori), and soft-boiled eggs. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have evolved from Chinese wheat noodle dishes, eventually becoming a cornerstone of Japanese culinary culture.
The quality of a great ramen bowl is defined by the complexity of its broth—ranging from creamy tonkotsu to clear shio or shoyu bases—and the texture of the alkaline noodles. Culinary enthusiasts often seek out specialized venues to experience these nuances. For instance, creator Francesco Zini recommends visiting Tokyo Ramen Street in Chiyoda City for a diverse selection, while Jack's Dining Room highlights Ginza Hachugo in Chuo City as a premier destination.
Regional variations are central to the dish's identity. In Yokohama, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum serves as a cultural hub for exploring these different styles, a sentiment echoed by creator Giovanni Fois. Other notable regional expressions include the offerings found at Menya Inoichi in Kyoto and the Ramen Shop at Nagasaki Port, as noted by the creator Cosa mangiamo oggi?. For those traveling through major hubs, the Ramen Shop at Narita Airport provides a convenient way to experience the dish, while Jana Food Porn recommends Menso in Bunkyo City for a high-quality dining experience.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review.
Where to eat it
7 places reviewed by YouTube creators.
Bunkyo City (1)
Chuo City (1)
Yokohama (1)
Chiyoda City (1)
What creators say
Highlights from 6 creator reviews of Ramen.
A ramen shop in Tokyo with excellent ramen and a standout lamb tsukemen that's intensely flavorful.
Menso · Bunkyo CitylovedA tiny six-seat ramen shop where the owner starts the broth at 4 a.m. and cooks it for two days, serving a single, lighter-style ramen that even a non-ramen guy like me found delicious.
A tiny six-seat counter ramen shop with incredible tsukemen and ramen, super affordable — a must in Kyoto.
A random ramen shop we found in a hurry near Nagasaki port, with a ticket machine only in Japanese, but the ramen was excellent and the rice bowl with deformed eggs was a fun surprise.
The Ramen Museum is a cool indoor theme park dedicated to ramen history, but the ramen I tried was just okay — not worth the long queue.
Aruan Ramen, recommended by the Michelin guide, serves a generously portioned ramen with a rich pork broth and flavorful noodles, offering great value for money.