Tonchin Ramen – Ramen with Truck Driver Roots

Tonchin Ramen (屯ちん) was started by a ramen-loving truck driver in 1993. His aim was to create an original and tasty tonkotsu ramen brand in Tokyo.

In short, he was successful.

Ikebukuro Flagship Shop

Tonchin Ramen – “Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen”

In their “Tokyo tonkotsu ramen”, rich shoyu (soy sauce) from Chiba is used to draw out umami from a carefully nurtured tonkotsu (pork bone) broth.

Tonkotsu Ramen – with all the trimmings

This long-cooked broth consists of pork, chicken (momiji / chicken feet, too) various vegetables, kelp, and katsuobushi (bonito fish flakes).

Basic Tonkotsu Ramen

The end result is a creamy, delicious flavor. But there’s also a gentleness to it, along with a pleasant aroma. There’s even a hint of spice.

In addition, they make their own noodles, which are relatively fat and wavy.

Fish and Pork Tsukemen

Their fish and pork tsukemen (dipping ramen) is also a lot of fun. As soon as it’s plopped down in front of you, you feel like you’re at the docks. The wakame seaweed topping also drives this seafood point home.

Tsukemen

The thicker broth is salty, creamy, sweet, and sour at the same time – much like modern tsukemen. Its sweetness is most apparent when you drink the broth by itself.

Tonchin Locations

Tonchin has 2 branches in their home turf of Ikebukuro. But they have also branches in busy areas like Shinjuku, Omiya (Saitama), and Kawasaki (Kanagawa).

Kawasaki Branch

Under a slightly different brand, they have branches in Taiwan and China. In 2017, they even opened up a location in New York City.

Venture to Tonchin if you seek delicious tonkotsu ramen. Or if you like the smell of the ocean (with their tsukemen).

Ikebukuro Flagship:

Shinjuku Branch:

You want to try more tonkotsu ramen?

On our Ramen Tasting Tour in Shibuya, our guides show you local shops known for their own standout tonkotsu alongside other great ramen styles. Eat your way through 6 different mini bowls of ramen at 3 distinct award-winning shops in the heart of Tokyo.

Book here: Ultimate Ramen Tasting Tour in Shibuya