10 hot spots for ramen lovers in Tokyo

If you have the chance to visit Tokyo, Japan to enjoy this famous dish, don't worry, because The Guardian has compiled a list of the 10 best ramen restaurants to make your choice easier.

Let's get started!

1. Konjiki Hototogisu

Starting as a small shop with only eight seats, the ramen at Konjiki Hototogisu is praised for its "perfectly balanced flavor from premium ingredients," making it unforgettable for diners. The shop's chef, Mr. Yamamoto, is renowned as one of the first ramen chefs to use hamaguri clams to create a ramen broth unique to Konjiki Hototogisu. This distinctive feature contributed to Konjiki Hototogisu becoming the third ramen shop in Tokyo to earn a Michelin star last year. It's truly a must-visit dining destination when in Tokyo.

• Address: 2-4-1 Shinjuku, 22 Kyutei Mansion 1F, Shinjuku
• Phone: +81 3 5315 4733
• Open daily from 11:30 am - 3 pm and 6:30 pm - 10 pm

2. Menya Shichisai

What makes Menya Shichisai special is that you always get to taste fresh noodles. After buying your ticket at the vending machine and handing it to the chef, you can watch the noodles being made on the spot before enjoying a steaming bowl of flavorful ramen. Currently, not many ramen shops serve ramen in this style. The shop's most famous dish is Kitakata ramen, which originates from Fukushima Prefecture. This dish consists of a clear broth blended with curly noodles and a small amount of niboshi, also known as dried sardines.

• Address: 2 Chome-13-2 Hatchobori, Chuo
• Phone: +81 3 5566 9355
• Opening hours: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm (Monday to Friday); 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm (Saturday and Sunday)

3. Mensho Tokyo

Despite having nine locations spread throughout the city, Mensho Tokyo's unique selling point is that each branch has its own distinct menu. Some branches serve ramen with seemingly bizarre ingredients, such as lamb ribs with dark chocolate, inspired by Mexican molé sauce. The most famous dish here is the pork bone and dried fish ramen soup.

• Address: 1 Chome-15-9 Kasuga, Bunkyo City
• Phone: +81 3 3830 0842
• Opening hours: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm (Wednesday to Monday)
• Website: menya-shono.com

4. Motenashi Kurokui

Visit the shop every Friday to enjoy the signature dish: ramen soup or tskukemen – ramen served in a broth made from braised duck, accompanied by tender, carefully prepared pieces of duck meat and a fragrant slice of kabosu lime. On other days of the week, diners can enjoy classic ramen dishes seasoned with six different salts or try the shop's signature cold ramen.

• Address: 2-15 Kanda Izumicho, Chiyoda
• Phone: +81 3-3863 7117
• Opening hours: 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday); 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6pm - 8:30pm (Friday)

5. Supaisu Ramen Mankiri

Upon entering the restaurant, diners will be overwhelmed by the distinctive spices on display. Ordering a cold can of beer to enjoy with a steaming bowl of noodles in a broth flavored with red chili and Sichuan peppercorns will provide a stimulating and refreshing taste experience.

• Address: 3-16-5 Nishi-Kasai, Edogawa-ku
• Phone: +81 3 6848 1346
• Opening hours: 11:30am–9:30pm (Wednesday to Monday)
• Website: manriki.net

6. Menson Rage

Since opening in 2015, the chefs at Menson Rage have taken classic ramen to a new level. The restaurant's interior is decorated with gleaming bicycles and skateboards, creating a blend of tradition and modernity. Their most famous dish is the Shoyu ramen, made with free-range chicken originating from Thailand.

• Address: 3 Chome-37-22 Shoan, Suginami
• Opening hours: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm (Monday, Wednesday to Saturday), 11am - 4pm (Sunday)

7. Mugi To Olive

What makes Mugi To Olive special is its unique way of enjoying ramen. After finishing half a bowl, you have to add extra virgin olive oil. Those who haven't tried it might be hesitant, while those who have are impressed by this unique way of enjoying ramen. The flavor of the olive oil blends perfectly with the soup made from chicken, dried fish, and hamaguri oysters.

• Address: 6-12-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku
• Phone: +81 3-3571-2123
• Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (Monday to Friday); 11:30am - 9pm (Saturday)

8. Uchoku

Despite only opening in 2018, Uchoku has quickly become a phenomenon. Their signature ramen is the broth-dipped ramen, also known as tsukemen, made with ingredients like tuna, seaweed, and chicken. After finishing the noodles, you should add a little dashi (broth made from radish, bonito flakes, and seaweed) to slightly dilute the broth and savor it to the last drop.

• Address: 3-10-16 Amanuma, Suginami-ku
• Opening hours: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (Saturday, Sunday)

9. Teppanyaki Kishin

Teppanyaki Kishin wasn't originally a ramen shop, but rather a traditional barbecue restaurant. However, after a few months in operation, Teppanyaki Kishin started serving special ramen for lunch. And indeed, this was a brilliant idea. They even served the famous Kobe beef ramen, targeting customers with more affluent budgets.

• Address: 17-10 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku
• +81 3 6427 0952
• Opening hours: 11am-11pm (Monday to Friday), 11pm (Saturday, Sunday)

10. Homemade Muginae

Since its opening in 2016, Homemade Muginae has quickly attracted diners. It is famous for its ramen with broth made from Yamagata chicken.

• Address: 6 Chome-11-10 Minamioi, Shinagawa City
• +81 3 3298 5158, Sat-Sun 11.30am-3pm
• Opening hours: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 6 pm until sold out (Monday to Wednesday and Friday)

Hannah Nguyen