Ramen might have become synonymous with instant noodles for the rest of the world, but the same is not true for Japan. Whether it comes to the noodles' firmness or the broth's richness, customers don't settle for anything less than perfection. In August and September, as the rain drenches the streets of Tokyo, the smell of hot noodles wafts through the air, luring a crowd of customers to the street-sid Yatais (mobile food stalls). If you're in Tokyo and looking for authentic ramen noodles, head to these restaurants.
Nukaji
Run by a ramen enthusiast, Nukaji is not a restaurant in the strictest sense. However, that doesn't stop the owners from serving some of the most delicious noodles in the area. With a thick soup base reminiscent of the tonkatsu-yokai (pork and seafood) style, visitors are treated to an indulgent feast. However, the impeccably smooth texture of the noodles truly sets this place apart. For those seeking an extra kick, Nukaji also crafts a spicy variant known as kara-ramen. In terms of beverages, you can complement your meal with a Japanese craft beer such as Shiga Kogen.
Address 150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho
Ginza Tsukiya
This restaurant uses a painstaking cooking procedure to serve you your favourite bowl of noodles. Instead of dunking the pork in the broth, the noodle soup is made after simmering pork bones on a slow boil. Also known as buta soba (pork noodles), this delicious mixture replaces the usually creamy tonkatsu pork broth with a light and refreshing soup. Along with the pork broth, the restaurant serves myoga (Japanese ginger), kabosu wedge (Japanese citrus) and chopped green onions. However, if you are not fond of too many toppings, you can also enjoy the broth as a stand-alone.
Address 6F GINZA SIX, 10-1, 6-Chome, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Men To Mirai
At Men to Mirai, the noodles steal the spotlight. Popular as "mochi-like" fluffy noodles, the restaurant serves some of the best Shimokitazawa ramen in a flavorful broth. When in Tokyo, try their shio (salt) ramen, a delicious culinary delight. The noodles are hand-cut for this dish, and the dashi broth is topped with chicken wings, manila clams, raised kelp, anchovies, and bonito unite. Surprisingly, for salt ramen, it is not too salty at all. The broth can be enjoyed without the flavour-blindness of too much salt.
Address 3 Chome-25-1 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Chinchintei
Easy on the pockets, Chinchintei serves one-of-a-kind ramen in the area. If you're not too fond of broth, Chinchintei might be your top choice. A ramen without broth is often characterised as abura soba, an apt summer choice. It is served with cha shu pork and a naruto fish paste. The element of a broth is replaced by a meaty paste at the bottom of the bowl. Serving ramen since 1965, this joint allows you to customise your noodles with additional topping options.
Address 5-17-21 Sakai, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
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