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Ramen Blog
Welcome to the 5AM Ramen Blog - your insider guide to Japan’s best bowls, hidden shops, and ramen culture. From Tokyo to Sapporo, this ramen blog serves up reviews, tips, and deep dives for true noodle lovers.


Mengenso: Thoughtful, Chicken-Forward Ramen in Tenma
Osaka has no shortage of bold ramen. But every now and then, you come across a shop that’s playing a slightly longer game. That’s what Mengenso (麺元素) feels like. Located just outside the Tenma / Tenjinbashisuji area, Mengenso does a great bowl of chicken and fish ramen. The Soup: Rich, but Calm At its core, their signature ramen ("Naka Naka") broth is chicken-forward. Fish plays a supporting role rather than taking over. It’s rich but but never thick or heavy. There’s a pepp
1 day ago1 min read


Mejiro Ramen: Marucho and the Roots of Tsukemen in Tokyo
Marucho is a historic Mejiro ramen shop with deep ties to Ogikubo ramen and the origins of tsukemen.
6 days ago2 min read


Ramen Thank in Daimon – Chicken and Vegetables in Harmony
Ramen Thank in Daimon serves chicken-based tori pota ramen with 120 grams of vegetables per bowl. A wholesome, flavorful take on Tokyo ramen with a story full of heart.
Jan 152 min read


Karazishi Botan: Funky Brooklyn Vibes with Serious Ramen
Karazishi Botan in Brooklyn serves creative, authentic ramen with hip vibes. Try the signature Iron Man IV or the nostalgic Showa Classic Shoyu.
Jan 112 min read


Kitakyushu Ramen: Gyorantei Is the City’s Tonkotsu King
Gyorantei is a pillar of Kitakyushu ramen, serving rich yet balanced tonkotsu made from pork trotters, with deep flavor and a smooth finish.
Jan 42 min read


Shin-Okubo Ramen - Yuu Ramen, A Hidden Gem
Shin-Okubo ramen is hard to find, but Menya-Yu is a true hidden gem, serving soulful shoyu and miso ramen.
Dec 27, 20252 min read


Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen – 10 Bowls Worth Traveling For
Tokyo’s best tonkotsu ramen, from subtle Nagahama-style bowls to full-power pork bone broths. My Top 10.
Dec 23, 20255 min read


Menya Nakagawa (Ikebukuro): Smooth, Chicken-Forward Tsukemen
Menya Nakagawa in Ikebukuro serves a beautifully smooth, chicken-forward tsukemen (dipping ramen).
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Hozuki in Nakano – Customizable Tantanmen Done Right
Hozuki in Nakano serves some of Tokyo’s most customizable and delicious tantanmen (spicy ramen).
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Ramen Matsui – Michelin-Recommended Ramen Near Shinjuku Gyoen
Ramen Matsui in Shinjuku serves elegant, Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen with Hokkaido ingredients.
Nov 30, 20252 min read


Ayagawa Ebisu Ramen: A Bold Bowl of Chicken Soul
Ayagawa Ebisu serves rich, old-hen chicken ramen with hand-made thick noodles and deep, soulful flavor.
Nov 25, 20252 min read


Bassanova in Harajuku – Laksa, Green Curry, and Vegan Pink Ramen
Bassanova in Harajuku serves tasty fusion ramen - green curry, laksa, and a vibrant vegan beet ramen.
Nov 21, 20252 min read


Takekawa Ramen in Shibuya – A Hidden Oasis of Calm
Takekawa ramen Shibuya is a hidden ramen sanctuary, serving soulful chicken ramen and rich tsukemen.
Nov 16, 20252 min read


Ramen Hiiki in Kamata: A Cleaner, Take on Iekei
Ramen Hiiki in Kamata offers a refined take on Yokohama-style iekei ramen, with a cleaner broth.
Nov 13, 20252 min read


Japanese Ramen Gokan – Insanely Good Shio Ramen in Ikebukuro
Gokan ramen in Ikebukuro serves insanely good shio ramen - a salty, soulful balance of chicken and clam.
Nov 3, 20252 min read


Hachan Ramen in Hamamatsucho – Unmissable Chashu
Hachan Ramen in Hamamatsucho - silky chicken-oil broth, showstopping chashu (including duck breast).
Oct 28, 20252 min read


Kawagoe Tsukemen at Ganja: A Refined Take on Dipping Ramen
Looking for the best tsukemen in Kawagoe, Saitama? Ganja serves a mild yet flavorful dipping ramen.
Oct 24, 20252 min read


Akimoto Ramen Yokohama: Raffish Meets Refined
Yokohama’s Akimoto Ramen delivers bold shoyu bowls with rich chicken-chiyu and fragrant katsuo (bonito).
Oct 14, 20252 min read


Top 5 Namba Ramen Shops You Need to Try
Top 5 Namba ramen spots! From classic shoyu to bold oyster ramen, these are the best of Namba, Osaka.
Oct 9, 20252 min read


Ramen Jiro Mita Honten: The Original Branch That Started It All
Ramen Jiro Mita Honten is the original shop that launched a ramen empire. Learn how to order and more.
Oct 4, 20254 min read
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