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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.


AMAZING Tokyo Duck Ramen at Fukumaru
For syrupy delicious Tokyo duck ramen, look no further than Menya Fukumaru (麺屋福丸). Take your pick of light or creamy duck ramen – both are excellent. Tokyo Duck Ramen – Light Shoyu Fukumaru flawlessly uses duck from Yamgata in its soup. The broth is purely duck and water. The lighter duck ramen is held up by a fairly salty and sweet soy sauce. This isn’t just any soy sauce – it’s Kikkogo Marudaisen soy sauce. Shoyu Ramen Special It flows beautifully with their in-house ma
May 4, 20202 min read


Ramen in Sugamo: Menya Imamura
Searching for ramen in Sugamo? Menya Imamura delivers creamy chicken paitan layered with niboshi depth and charcoal-grilled chicken right before your eyes.
Apr 11, 20201 min read


Otsuka Ramen: Nii, Modern and Swanky
To the Otsuka ramen scene, Nii is a brand new arrival. Their modern ramen dishes are as tasty as their restaurant is comfortable.
Mar 30, 20201 min read


Kanda Ramen Waizu - Heavy-Hitting But Tasty
Kanda Ramen Waizu (神田ラーメン わいず) slings one of the heaviest-hitting, grungiest bowls out there.
Mar 13, 20202 min read


Suzuran - Super Smooth Niboshi Ramen in Shinjuku
Suzuran serves one of the smoothest bowls of niboshi (dried fish) ramen in Shinjuku and in Tokyo.
Mar 10, 20202 min read


Mengyo Ramen Tokyo – Beautiful Bowls of Sea Bream Ramen
Mengyo Ramen has perfected sea bream ramen. They serve one of the best fish ramen bowls in Tokyo, period.
Feb 23, 20202 min read


Matador: Tokyo's Premier Beef Bone Ramen
Matador is most ramen critic’s choice for beef bone ramen in Tokyo. They've ensure they stand out.
Feb 7, 20201 min read


Hardcore Niboshi Ramen in Tokyo? Try Chukasoba Nishikawa
For pure niboshi ramen in Tokyo, Chukasoba Nishikawa delivers. If you like dried fish ramen, they're for you.
Feb 5, 20201 min read


Top 5 Unique Tsukemen in Tokyo, Including Italian?
My top 5 picks for unique tsukemen (dipping ramen) in Tokyo - from rich lamb tsukemen to tomato tsukemen!
Feb 3, 20203 min read


Shinka: Best Shio Ramen in Tokyo?
The best shio ramen in Tokyo? Many believe this title goes to Shinka in Machida.
Jan 27, 20202 min read


Best Ramen in Yoyogi: Isoji’s Extra-Chewy Noodles
For the best ramen in Yoyogi, Isoji delivers big portions and wonderfully chewy tapioca-flour noodles.
Jan 23, 20202 min read


Best Tokyo Yakisoba: Mikasa in Jimbocho
For the best Tokyo yakisoba, look no further than Mikasa in Jimbocho. Mikasa takes yakisoba to the next level.
Jan 9, 20201 min read


Goryokaku in Ogikubo: Hakodate Shio Ramen
Goryokaku in Ogikubo has masterfully produced a shio ramen inspired by Hakodate City and the sea.
Dec 12, 20192 min read


Silky Chukasoba Ramen at Murata in Nakameguro
Murata in Nakameguro serves silky, modern chukasoba and shio ramen - simple but tasty bowls.
Dec 6, 20191 min read


Kinshicho Ramen Top 5 (near Tokyo Sky Tree)
Here are 5 Kinshicho ramen shops you need to visit – from rich oyster ramen to vegetable heavy tanmen.
Nov 30, 20193 min read


Oni Soba Fujiya Premium - Tokyo Lobster Ramen
For Tokyo lobster ramen, Oni Soba Fujiya Premium in Shibuya has got you covered!
Oct 2, 20192 min read


Spicy Ramen Perfection at Kikanbo in Tokyo
Spicy ramen doesn’t get better than Kikanbo. Their hot miso ramen is the definition of “umakara”.
Aug 7, 20192 min read


Takadanobaba Ramen: Chicken Ramen at Kageyama
Kageyama is an excellent choice when it comes to Takadanobaba ramen. Their showpiece is a fusion tori paitan.
Jul 19, 20191 min read


Amazing Dumpling Ramen in Meguro: Kazuya
Among the shops serving ramen in Meguro, Kaduya is a champion. Their old-school approach and refined ingredients make for exquisitely delicious ramen.
Jun 9, 20192 min read


Yakumo Ramen - Refined Dumpling Ramen
Yakumo in Tokyo is one of the city's most celebrated ramen shops, known for its exceptional dumplings.
May 21, 20191 min read
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