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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.


Top Tsukemen in Ginza: Oborozuki
For tsukemen (ramen) in Ginza, the only place you need to visit is Ginza Oborozuki.
May 12, 20192 min read


Outstanding Uyghur Cuisine in Munich: Tengri Tagh Uyghur
Unassuming restaurant Tengri Tagh Uyghur serves the best Uyghur cuisine in Munich, hands-down. From juicy lamb dumplings to savory Lagman noodles, they’ve got it all. Manti Lamb Dumplings Where have these been my whole life? Beautifully doughy and chewy on the outside and juicy on the inside, their dumplings are illogically good. The accompanying garlic sauce is nice but the ground spiced lamb is flavorful enough by itself. Dapanji Chicken Stew with Noodles On to the
May 8, 20192 min read


Kamitoku: Legendary Beef Ramen in Ginza
Kamitoku in Ginza is renowned for its delightful beef bone ramen. Using beef is rare in the ramen world.
May 6, 20192 min read


Historic Ramen in Shibuya: Kiraku
Kiraku in Shibuya has been serving nostalgic ramen since 1952. Don't miss the moyashi wontonmen.
Apr 29, 20192 min read


Best Chicken Ramen in Nakameguro: Menya Sou
Fact: Menya Sou (麺屋 宗) has the best chicken ramen in Nakameguro. They’ve got incredible variety too.
Apr 26, 20192 min read


Top Akasaka Ramen - TOMO
When it comes to Akasaka ramen shops, Akasaka Mendokoro TOMO (赤坂麺処 友) takes top prize!
Apr 18, 20192 min read


Hashigo - Traditional Tantanmen, Ramen in Ginza
Shinamen Hashigo has ladled out traditional and tasty tantanmen and ramen in Ginza since 1964.
Apr 14, 20191 min read


Kinkatsu - Modern Tantanmen in Kamiyacho
Kinkatsu serves deliciously modern tantanmen (ramen) in Kamiyacho. Customize your spice levels!
Apr 3, 20192 min read


Filipino Fusion Ramen in Manila / Sitdown with Owner
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Miguel, who’s co-owner at Oyasumi Ramen, one of the hottest shops for ramen in Manila. Oyasumi...
Mar 27, 20192 min read


Fish Ramen in Shinjuku – 5 Must Try Shops
From sea bream to shrimp ball toppings, here are 5 shops you have to try for fish ramen in Shinjuku!
Mar 18, 20193 min read


Best Duck Ramen in Tokyo (Ueno): Kamo to Negi
Since 2016, Kamo to Negi (らーめん鴨to葱) has served what’s probably the absolute best duck ramen in Tokyo.
Mar 10, 20192 min read


Creamy Chicken Ramen Specialists: Takeichi
Takeichi specializes in one thing: supremely tasty chicken ramen. On top of their 11 branches in greater Tokyo, they have 10 overseas....
Mar 3, 20192 min read


Local Yokohama Ramen: Ryumai
THE spot for local Yokohama Ramen is Ryumai. It's charming a hole in the wall across from the station.
Feb 27, 20191 min read


Contemporary Ramen and Tsukemen: Men Labo Hiro
Men Labo Hiro near Gakugei-Daigaku station serves sensational contemporary ramen. This shop has won multiple awards since it opened in...
Feb 19, 20191 min read


Where to Eat Hiroshima Ramen: 3 Famous Shops
Hiroshima Ramen is not as well-known as Onomichi Ramen. But Hiroshima City ramen is incredible.
Feb 17, 20193 min read


Hayashida - No. 1 Chicken Ramen in Shinjuku
Ramen shop Hayashida (らぁ麺 はやし田) is the best choice for chicken ramen in Shinjuku. They also serve one of the best bowls of chicken ramen...
Feb 9, 20192 min read


The Best Tonkotsu Ramen in Asakusa: Urinbo
Ramen shop Urinbo (うりんぼ) has the best tonkotsu ramen in Asakusa, hands-down.
Jan 30, 20192 min read


Hokkaido Style Ramen in Ginza - Funamizaka
Ramen eatery Funamizaka makes great ramen in Ginza – bowls that will make you feel like you’re in Hokkaido.
Jan 27, 20191 min read


Niboshi Ramen in Ebisu – Ozeki Chukasoba
If you want old-school ramen in Ebisu with a twist, check out Ozeki Chukasoba. This shop is adored by locals and is very close to Ebisu...
Jan 22, 20191 min read


Spanish Sandwiches, Cozy Cafe in Yutenji
Named after the Spanish sandwich of the same name, bocata is a cozy little cafe in Yutenji. There you can enjoy Spanish treats, a nice...
Jan 21, 20192 min read
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