Ramen Blog

The 5 AM Ramen blog dives deep into the world of ramen. "Best Ramen Lists" include top picks in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan. Check out "Not Ramen" for other delicious food.

Ramen in Kawasaki – Spicy “NEW” Tantanmen

For ramen in Kawasaki (south of Tokyo), locals adore “New Tantanmen”. Branded as “Kawasaki’s soul food”, this spicy ramen hits the spot. What is Tantanmen? First of all, Japanese tantanmen is derived from Chinese dan dan noodles. Japans’ version has sesame paste and is generally less spicy than the original Chinese one in Sichuan province. But here we’re talking about a whole other, “new tantanmen”. It hails from Kawasaki City, Kanagawa. New Tantanmen? The group behind this t

Aomori Ramen – TOP 5 [Aomori City]

Here are 5 amazing places for AOMORI RAMEN. These are all in Aomori City – from miso curry milk ramen to the local favorite, (fish) niboshi ramen! Aomori City is Aomori prefecture’s largest and most important city. It’s at the Northern tip of Honshu, Japan’s biggest island. While this distant area is most famous for high-quality apples and the colorful Nebuta festival, they take their ramen very seriously too! 1. Top Ranked Aomori Ramen – Hirakoya Hirakoya (中華そばひらこ屋) is prob

Michelin Worthy Ramen at Koike

For Kami-Kitazawa area ramen, Koike rules. Their complex, gentle niboshi ramen is even recommended by Michelin.

Lava Red Ramen at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto

Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto serves lava red, super spicy ramen. Order their ironically named, fiery “Arctic”, but be warned!

La Show Han - Legit Tantanmen in Jimbocho

For tantanmen in Jimbocho, La Show Han takes top prize. Their tantanmen is exceptional.

Spicy Ramen Perfection at Kikanbo in Tokyo

Spicy ramen doesn’t get better than Kikanbo. Their hot miso ramen is the definition of “umakara”.

Zestful Tantanmen in Akasaka – Kisurin

When it comes to tantanmen in Akasaka, Kisurin (希須林) is king. when it comes to tantanmen in Akasaka. Choose soup or soupless and your spice level from 1-5. But most importantly, don’t forget to add the breaded pork cutlet topping! Soupless Tantanmen in Akasaka In the soupless tantamen (their top seller), the creamy white sesame seems to stand out more than the chili. But that balance can also depend on the spice level you choose. Even at a lower level of spice (level 1-2), th

Fiery Tantanmen (Ramen) at 175° DENO

175°DENO Tantanmen dishes up delicious white or black sesame tantanmen.

Fusion Spice Ramen in Shimokitazawa: Ten to Sen

Spice Ramen Ten to Sen has the most interesting ramen in Shimokitazawa. Their colorful ramen are all about non-Japanese spices and roar with flavor. Ten to Sen’s ramen fall under the “spice ramen” category, or ramen with more exotic spices. This makes sense. Their operating company is famous for soup curry (a Hokkaido born curry dish). They proudly source most of their ingredients from Hokkaido – meat (pork, chicken, fish) and vegetables. Paprika and Cashews – not your typic

Fuji - Ramen in Asakusa with Homemade Noodles

Fuji Ramen is a favorite for ramen in Asakusa. They're known for silky homemade noodles and heavier soups.

Kinkatsu - Modern Tantanmen in Kamiyacho

Kinkatsu serves deliciously modern tantanmen (ramen) in Kamiyacho. Customize your spice levels!

Aun - Tasty, Customizable Tantanmen in Asakusa, Yushima

For tasty tantanmen in Asakusa, eat at Aun! Their white and black tantanmen are among Tokyo’s best.

The Best Narita Ramen, at Narita Airport

For the best Narita ramen, look no further! These are THE 3 SHOPS to visit at Narita Airport – from sesame-based vegan ramen to one of the most popular ramen bowls in Japan. #1: Tomita, Japan’s Finest Ramen Ramen shop Tomita in Matsudo (north of Tokyo) is consistently ranked at the very top of ramen lists. It’s arguably the most popular shop in the entire country and Tomita himself is a rockstar of the ramen world (you may have heard of the documentary “Ramenheads”).” “Chukas

Indian Ramen in Ikebukuro – Ramen Spice Shaka

Indian Ramen?? Ramen Spice Shaka in Ikebukuro has boldly and beautifully created ramen that incorporates a great number of Indian spices. Still…Indian Ramen? Indian Ramen might sound like a novelty. But this this new ramen shop is the brainchild of Tomoharu Shono, the legend behind the Mensho ramen shops and Shankar Noguchi, an Indian cuisine maniac and spice expert. So this ramen shop doesn’t mess around. Indian cuisine is ridiculously complex, much like ramen. But they’re b

Tokyo’s First Ever Ramen Tasting Tour Launched!

Tokyo’s first ever Ramen Tasting Tour was successfully launched on Oct. 15th, 2018. This one-of-a-kind tour includes 6 mini bowls of ramen from 3 award-winning shops. Mini Bowls – Tour-Exclusive This Ramen Tasting is only possible thanks to mini bowls. Ramen shops normally only serve full bowls of ramen. But on the tour, you’re served ramen in bowls that are 1/4th to 1/3rd the normal size! Hence, this allows you to enjoy a wide variety of ramen – 6 wildly different bowls! Mor

Revolutionary Ramen: Mapo Tofu Ramen in Tokyo

A Tokyo ramen shop that calls itself a “laboratory” serves a spicy Sichuan style Mapo Tofu Ramen. 2 culinary worlds deliciously collide – China and Japan. Niigata Sanpoutei Tokyo Labo (新潟三宝亭東京ラボ) is this shop’s name. Just try and remember Sanpoutei, the name of the group company. Sanpoutei has origins in Niigata prefecture and they have Chinese restaurants and ramen shops all over the country. But the only have 2 ramen “laboratories” in Japan. 1 is in Shibuya and 1 is in Nak

Cold Hiroshima Ramen (Tsukemen) in Akihabara

Perfect for any hot summer, grab a bowl of cold noodles at Ramen Hiro in Akihabara. They serve a Hiroshima ramen (tsukemen) in a cool, spicy broth. Hiroshima Ramen (Tsukemen) Hiroshima has their own homegrown ramen (tonkotsu shoyu) and Ramen Hiro serves it. But Ramen Hiro also serves Hiroshima-style tsukemen. What makes Hiroshima tsukemen unique is its cold, sweet and spicy broth. Hiroshima Tsukemen, All toppings: ¥1,080 (¥860 without toppings) To prepare this broth, Ramen Hi

Superb Miso Ramen, Tsukemen (Sapporo Style) in Ebisu

Ramen shop Sapporo Kamui in Ebisu, Tokyo offers superb miso ramen and miso tsukemen. They’re both prepared in the heavy-hitting Sapporo style that’s both appetizing and somewhat unique. Added Note: Is it with a heavy heart that I announce that Sapporo Kamui will be closing its doors on July 27, 2018. So grab a bite before then! This is due to extensive renovations on the building. During the renovation period, they do not yet know where their new home will be. Like something

Best Curry Ramen in Tokyo: Shuichi

Curry ramen – it’s the best of both worlds! Ramen restaurant Shuichi specializes in this beautiful fusion mashup.

3 Heavenly Hiroshima Ramen Shops

For food, the city of Hiroshima is best known for its noodle-filled savory pancakes, or Okonomiyaki. But if you dig a little bit, your shovel will find some legit Hiroshima ramen shops. Many of them are obsessed with the numbing Szechuan pepper. From numbing pepper ramen to wagyu ramen, here are 3 Heavenly Hiroshima Ramen Shops. The last 2 are open super late….so you can stumble in after drinks, in true 5 AM Ramen fashion! #1: Masara (Shiru Nashi Tantanmen Masara) Tantanmen,

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