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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.


Waka Ramen in Kita Shinagawa – Chicken-Forward Bowls with a Twist
Waka Ramen in Kita Shinagawa serves chicken-forward ramen and tsukemen done right. Delicious.
May 142 min read


Ivan Ramen New York – Tokyo Roots with a New York Edge
Ivan Ramen New York serves Tokyo-style ramen on the Lower East Side, with bowls like shio and spicy miso.
May 33 min read


Napoleon Ken Ramen Tokyo – A Ramen-Udon Mashup That Works
Napoleon Ken Ramen Tokyo serves up a fun abura soba–meets–udon bowl in Toritsu Daigaku.
Apr 192 min read


Inose Ramen in Shinjuku – Four Unique Soups and Whole Wheat Noodles
Inose ramen in Shinjuku serves tsukemen with delicate whole wheat noodles and four distinct dipping soups.
Apr 133 min read


Dad’s Ramen in Jiyugaoka – Inspired by a Dream with His Dad
Dad’s Ramen in Jiyugaoka is built on a dream the owner had with his father—serving tasty ramen.
Apr 102 min read


Natsuya no Chuukasoba - Tokyo's Hottest 2024 Ramen Shop
Natsuya no Chuukasoba in 2024 might just be Tokyo's hottest ramen shop.
Aug 6, 20242 min read


Tokyo Style Noodle Hotate Biyori - Review
Tokyo Style Noodle Hotate Biyori has quickly become Tokyo's hottest ramen shop. Their claim to fame is incredibly tasty scallop ramen.
Apr 10, 20243 min read


Teuchi Mensai Kamei - Tokyo's Hottest New Ramen Shop
Teuchi Mensai Kamei is Tokyo's hottest new ramen shop. Their ramen is the real deal - soup, noodles, toppings.
Jan 23, 20233 min read


Noodle Stand Tokyo in Harajuku
Noodle Stand Tokyo serves creatively delicious vegan ramen. They claim it's the best of its kind in the world.
Dec 12, 20222 min read


Ramen Hide in Kyodo, Tokyo
Ramen Hide in Tokyo serves silky pork bone ramen. Their calling card is bright red, spicy minced pork.
Nov 26, 20221 min read


Nippon Ramen Rin Inside Tokyo Station
Nippon Ramen Rin is conveniently located inside Tokyo station. Their light chicken ramen is outstanding.
Nov 3, 20222 min read


Bingiri - My Favorite Tokyo Spicy Ramen
Bingiri has to be my favorite for spicy ramen in Tokyo. Their ramen is insanely spicy but overflows with flavor.
Oct 10, 20222 min read


Tokyo's Best Clam Ramen? CLAM & BONITO 貝節麺 raik
Is this Tokyo's Best clam ramen? Many think so. CLAM & BONITO raik does an amazing clam ramen.
Sep 16, 20221 min read


Ramen Nijubunnoichi - Tokyo's Best Shio Ramen
Ramen Nijubunnoichi is my no. 1 pick for shio (salt) ramen in Tokyo. It's even recommended by Michelin.
Aug 7, 20222 min read


Homemade Ramen Muginae - Tokyo's Finest
Homemade Ramen Muginae is one of Tokyo's premier ramen shops. Their ramen is Michelin acclaimed too.
Jul 8, 20222 min read


Renge no Gotoku - Tasty Tantanmen in Shibuya
Renge no Gotoku is the best spot for tantanmen in Shibuya. Order it with deep fried pork rib (paiko)!
Jun 9, 20222 min read


Mendokoro Honda - Top-Tier Akihabara Ramen
Akihabara ramen shop Mendokoro Honda ticks all the boxes. The owner is a prodigy, starting at just age 21.
Apr 19, 20222 min read


Tonki - Legendary Tonkatsu in Meguro, Tokyo
For legendary tonkatsu in Meguro (Tokyo), visit Tonki. They and their delicious breaded pork cutlet have a history going back to 1939.
Apr 4, 20222 min read


Is Ramen Unhealthy? An Experts Take
Is ramen unhealthy? Coming from someone who's eaten thousands of bowls, the answer may surprise you.
Mar 30, 20226 min read


Crab Ramen in Tokyo - Crab Typhoon
For crab ramen in Tokyo, Crab Typhoon is an obvious choice. They combine crab and pork bones to make a deliciously thick and rich soup....
Mar 2, 20221 min read
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