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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.


Lobster Bisque Ramen at Ebimaru in Jimbocho
Ebimaru in Jimbocho serves French cuisine-inspired lobster bisque ramen. It's delicious and affordable!
Nov 16, 20191 min read


Hanamichi - Quality Miso Ramen in Nogata
Hanamichi is highly praised for its miso ramen. In fact, they're of the highest ranked miso ramen shops in Tokyo.
Nov 14, 20192 min read


Unboxing Instant Ramen Pack – Courtesy of Zenpop
I recently unboxed ZenPop’s Northern Japan instant ramen pack, which had a focus on richer and creamier flavors. From soupless yakisoba...
Nov 9, 20192 min read


Greatest Ningyocho Ramen: Yamara
Yamara is arguably the greatest option for Ningyocho ramen. Their shoyu ramen is as thick as gravy.
Nov 2, 20191 min read


Katsumoto: Classic Ramen, Tsukemen – Both Tokyo Shops
Katsumoto (勝本) has legendary status in the Tokyo ramen world. They have 2 shops in Jimbocho / Kanda – one for tsukemen (dipping noodles), the other for ramen. Katsumoto – Ramen Shop Chukasoba Katsumoto (中華そば 勝本) specializes in chukasoba, or old-school, Tokyo style ramen. The ramen is classic without being boring. Chukasoba with Egg It’s a simple yet delicious harmony of chicken and niboshi (dried fish) in a light soy sauce seasoning. Little bits of negi also sweeten the
Oct 27, 20192 min read


Seitoku: Heavy and Meaty Ramen, Tsukemen
Seitoku (勢得) serves one of the most acclaimed (and heavy) bowls of tsukemen (dipping ramen) in Tokyo.
Oct 24, 20191 min read


La Show Han - Legit Tantanmen in Jimbocho
For tantanmen in Jimbocho, La Show Han takes top prize. Their tantanmen is exceptional.
Oct 22, 20191 min read


Machikado: Milky Sea Bream Ramen
Ramen shop Machikado in Ebisu, Tokyo serves delicious, milky sea bream ramen with a modern twist.
Oct 20, 20192 min read


Gyoza Ramen, All Things Gyoza in Utsunomiya
Eating gyoza in Utsunomiya, Tochigi is a must. It's become the gyoza (fried dumpling) capital of Japan.
Oct 19, 20191 min read


Chukasoba Fukuro: Horse Mackerel Ramen
Chukasoba Fukuro (中華そば 梟) serves only one bowl. But they make it count. Their high-level horse mackerel and chicken ramen is a work of...
Oct 17, 20191 min read


Ikebukuro Ramen BEST 10: Buttery Miso to Green Ramen
Ikebukuro ramen guide featuring our top picks! From rich miso to clean shio and modern chicken ramen, these are the best bowls in Ikebukuro.
Oct 5, 20194 min read


Fuunji Ramen and Tsukemen - Worth the Hype?
Shinjuku ramen shop Fuunji is famous for its rich tsukemen. But is Fuunji worth the hype and wait?
Oct 3, 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


Ramen in Meguro: Chukasoba Takemura
Chukasoba Takemura (中華そば 竹むら) is relativly new to the highly competitive ramen in Meguro scene.
Oct 1, 20192 min read


Ramen in Kudanshita: Noodle Meister Genk
Despite the odd name, Noodle Meister Genk is a fine place for ramen in Kudanshita, Tokyo.
Sep 21, 20191 min read


Top Yotsuya Ramen Shop: Kouya
Kouya is king when it comes to Yotsuya ramen shops. They’ve been around since 1983 and are famous for ramen with massive dumplings....
Sep 17, 20191 min read


Arigator Ramen: Top Warsaw Ramen Shop
Among Warsaw ramen shops, Arigator Ramen Shop chomps like a ferocious reptile. An essential visit.
Sep 12, 20192 min read


re:Dine GINZA: Premium Wagyu Ramen
re:Dine GINZA serves a luxuriously tasty and affordable wagyu ramen. The soft and succulent wagyu beef may be the star – but the entire...
Sep 6, 20192 min read


3 Incredible Shops for Classic Kyoto Ramen
These 3 Kyoto ramen shops have much history! Since as early as 1938, they’ve been serving Kyoto customers.
Sep 2, 20192 min read


Ramen Ren - Rich and Thick Miso Ramen in Kamata
Ramen Ren is the best option for ramen in Kamata, and one of the best for miso ramen in Tokyo.
Aug 25, 20192 min read
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