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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.


Menya Kokoro - Creamy Taiwan Maze Soba
One of the best in Tokyo for Taiwan Maze Soba is Menya Kokoro (麺屋こころ). With several branches around the world serving it, their version...
Mar 3, 20201 min read


An Elegant Ramen Shack Near Shinjuku – Nara Seimen
Nara Seimen (楢製麺) is a new ramen kid on the block. But they’ve quickly made an elegant splash. You’d expect nothing less from the creators of Udon Shin. Dining Elegance Nara Seimen has an unassuming exterior. But when you enter, you’ll feel a rush of classiness. I used the word “shack” because of the low ceiling, the sparse number of seats, and the overall snug environment. But their shack is an elegant one, complete with elegant menus. Biggest Ramen Takenoko I’ve seen C
Feb 29, 20202 min read


Tsuta: Michelin Star Ramen – Worth the Hype?
In 2015, Tsuta (蔦) shook the culinary world, being the first ever ramen restaurant to receive a Michelin star. But is their ramen worth the hype? Famous before Michelin Before its Michelin star status, Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles was already well recognized in Japan. But this popularity reached new heights after the big star in 2015. Tsuta’s lines naturally got longer. Note: In 2020 Tsuta lost their Michelin star. So this brings us back to the question – is it worth the hy
Feb 24, 20203 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


Eifukucho Taishoken: Humongous Bowls since 1955
Since 1955 Eifukucho Taishoken has been serving humongous bowls of classic Tokyo style ramen.
Feb 20, 20202 min read


Menson Rage - 90's Theme, Modern Ramen
As soon as you walk in the door, it’s clear that Menson Rage (麺尊 Rage) is big on 90s music.
Feb 15, 20202 min read


Fresh Chicken Ramen at Tori-Soba Salt
Tori-Soba Salt (鶏そば そると), as the name would suggest, is all about chicken and salt seasoned ramen. This ramen shop is just a 3 minute...
Feb 12, 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


Tomato Ramen, Ice Cold Ramen in Jimbocho: Totoko
Among shops peddling ramen in Jimbocho, Totoko is one of the most famous. They use the freshest ingredients from Yamagata in all of their ra
Feb 3, 20202 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


Ramen Manrai: Humongous Portions Since 1961
Ramen Manrai has a cult following. They've be dishing out humongous bowls of shoyu ramen since 1961.
Jan 31, 20202 min read


Tori Paitan Ramen in Ikebukuro – Tori no Ana
For tori paitan ramen in Ikebukuro, Tori no Ana is fantastic. Their creamy chicken ramen is rich but well-balanced.
Jan 30, 20201 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


Menya Ishin - Michelin Praised Chicken Ramen
Menya Ishin is praised for its chicken-centric shoyu ramen. This ihas ncluded regular nods from Michelin.
Jan 21, 20202 min read


Smooth Miso Ramen in Akasaka: Ittenbari
For miso ramen in Akasaka, Akasaka Ittenbari (赤坂一点張) is the top choice. With massive portions, choose a base of miso or a blend of both...
Jan 18, 20201 min read


Atariya Shokudo - Kyushu Ramen in Yanaka
Atariya Shokudo (あたりや食堂) serves amazing Kyushu style ramen in Tokyo's Yanaka neighborhood. Their ramen recipes go back to 1948! These...
Jan 14, 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


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!
Jan 6, 20203 min read
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