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The 5 AM Ramen Blog
Welcome to the 5AM Ramen Blog — where Japan's best ramen isn't just ranked, it's experienced. From tiny Tokyo counters to snow-covered Sapporo shops, exploring the bowls that matter — the classics, the innovators, and the shops locals line up for. Reviews, deep dives, and real ramen culture from someone who lives it.


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


Ginzasa - Delicious Shio Ramen in Shimbashi
Ginzasa boasts having one of the best shio ramen in Tokyo. They're just a stone's throw away from Shimbashi and Ginza stations.
May 27, 20232 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


Tokyo Scallop Ramen – Noodle Voice
For Tokyo scallop ramen, there’s only one place to turn to. Located in Ikebukuro, that place is Noodle Voice. Their tasty, rich scallop ramen is beyond compare! No. 1 Tokyo Scallop Ramen Noodle Voice (ヌードル ボイス) is pretty much the only Tokyo ramen shop majoring in scallop ramen. Ramen shops from time to time do serve limited time scallop ramen. But at Noodle Voice, it’s a permanent fixture on the menu. Thick Scallop Ramen They do a splendid job with theirs. A lively shio (sa
Jan 12, 20222 min read


Tsukemen Gonokami in Shinjuku- Worth the Hype?
Tsukemen Gonokami in Shinjuku (Tokyo) is famous for its shrimp tsukemen (dipping ramen). Are they worth the hype?
Jan 8, 20223 min read


T's Tantan - Premier Tokyo Vegan Ramen
T’s Tantan is probably Tokyo’s most high-profile vegan ramen group. Their sesame-based, zesty tantanmen is popular with tourists and locals.
Dec 12, 20212 min read


Shichisai - Hand-Massaged Ramen Noodles in Tokyo
Shichisai in Tokyo is a ramen group famous for thick, hand-massaged, hand-cut noodles.
Nov 10, 20213 min read
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