{"id":14591,"date":"2024-10-17T08:00:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T00:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/aa-highway.com.sg\/?p=14591"},"modified":"2024-10-15T16:19:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T08:19:35","slug":"the-ultimate-ramen-pilgrimage-japans-top-ramen-restaurants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/aa-highway.com.sg\/the-ultimate-ramen-pilgrimage-japans-top-ramen-restaurants\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Ramen Pilgrimage: Japan’s Top Ramen Restaurants"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Embark on a culinary journey through Japan as we explore the top ramen restaurants every noodle lover must visit. From Michelin Bib Gourmand gems in Tokyo to local favourites in Sapporo, discover the diverse flavours and unique styles of ramen that make Japan a haven for food enthusiasts. So, grab the chopsticks and get ready to slurp loudly through this delicious adventure!<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"For ramen lovers, a trip to Japan is nothing short of a culinary pilgrimage. With over 4,000 ramen shops in Tokyo alone, narrowing the options can be daunting. Fear not, we’ve scoured the streets and sipped countless bowls to bring the definitive ranking of Japan’s top ramen restaurants. Get ready for a noodle-slurping adventure like no other!<\/p>\n

TOKYO<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tsuta made history in 2016 as the first ramen restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star (though as of writing, it lost the star). Chef Yuki Onishi’s signature shoyu<\/em> ramen features a rich, umami-packed broth made from a blend of soy sauce, dashi<\/em>, and chicken, without the need for additional flavouring like MSG.<\/p>\n

The noodles are perfectly al dente, and the chashu<\/em> pork melts in the mouth. Be expected to queue as they\u2019ve removed their numbered ticket queue.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> 3-2-4 B1 Nishihara Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.tsuta79.tokyo<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Nakiryu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As one of the three one-star Michelin ramen eatery in the world, this unassuming ramen joint in Toshima Ward packs a flavourful punch. Nakiryu’s miso ramen is a revelation, with a creamy, nutty broth that coats each strand of noodle with Chef Kazumasa Saiton\u2019s Chinese cuisine background expertise applied in full.
\nThe tender chashu<\/em> and perfectly cooked egg are the icing on the cake. They also serve boiled gyoza and steamed chicken with spicy sauce. Numbered tickets are issued in the morning for the day, but the wait is well worth it for this Michelin Bib Gourmand delight.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> SKY Minamiotsuka 1F, 2-34-4 Minamiotsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
\nWebsite:<\/strong> https:\/\/x.com\/NAKIRYU<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tsukemen Tetsu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Tsukemen Tetsu is one of the largest tsukemen ramen chains in Japan, besides Tokyo, they are in Ibaraki, Saitama, Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya and Osaka.<\/p>\n

Tsukemen, or dipping ramen, is the speciality at Tetsu, featuring thick, chewy noodles and a concentrated, pork-based broth that’s meant to be dipped rather than slurped. Noodles are blanched and shocked in cold water, to be dipped with each mouthful into the broth. The result is a flavour explosion. Tetsu’s intimate setting and impeccable service add to the experience.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> Multiple branches, see website
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.tetsu102.com\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Rokurinsha<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Located in the bustling Tokyo Station, Rokurinsha is known for its tsukemen. The noodles are made in-house and have a satisfying bite, while the broth is a complex blend of pork, seafood, and soy sauce. The chashu is tender and flavourful, and the egg is perfectly cooked. Their ingredients are crushed by hand to bring out the flavours.<\/p>\n

At their Tokyo Station branch, they are opened from 7.30am to 10am for breakfast with morning ramen dishes. Be prepared to queue, but the efficient service keeps things moving.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Station B1F Tokyo Ramen Street) and four other branches
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.rokurinsha.com
\n\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu’s shoyu<\/em> soba is a work of art. Chef Yamamoto’s broth is a delicate balance of wa-dashi<\/em>, pork, and hamaguri <\/em>clam dashi<\/em>, with a hint of truffle and porcini oil and flakes that adds a bold umami taste. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the toppings, including tender chashu<\/em> and a soft-boiled egg, are carefully arranged.<\/p>\n

This Michelin Bib Gourmand spot is a must-visit for ramen aficionados. Due to only seven counter seats and two small tables for two, numbered tickets are distributed from 9.30am for lunch and 5.30pm for dinner, so be expected to wait.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> 2-4-1 Shinjuku No. 22 Kyutei Mansion 1F, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo, Japan
\nWebsite: https:\/\/sobahousekonjikihototogisu.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Afuri<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Afuri is known for its unique yuzu shio<\/em> ramen, featuring a light, citrusy broth that’s a refreshing change from the typical tonkotsu with a richer and heavier flavour. The noodles are thin and springy, and the chashu<\/em> is tender and flavourful.
\nAfuri has several locations across Tokyo, making it a convenient option for ramen lovers.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> Multiple branches, see website
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.afuri.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

YOKOHAMA\"\"<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Motenashi Kuroki<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This Yokohama ramen shop is worth the trip from Tokyo. Chef Kuroki’s signature dish is tonkotsu ramen with a twist \u2013 the broth is infused with the flavours of dried seafood, resulting in a rich, umami-packed taste, including the three kinds of ocean salt, rock salt, and lake salt. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the chashu<\/em> is melt-in-your-mouth tender.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> Roji Asakusabashi 1F, Asakusabashi 1-28-9, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
\nWebsite:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.motenashi-kuroki.com<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SAPPORO<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sapporo Ramen Yokocho<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, the birthplace of miso ramen in a famous alley in 1951, is a ramen lover’s paradise and a midnight hotspot for drinkers, with several shops representing the distinct styles of Sapporo ramen.<\/p>\n

The miso ramen, with its creamy broth and thick noodles, is a standout. Be sure to try the butter corn ramen, a Sapporo speciality that adds a sweet, creamy twist to the classic dish.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> Sapporo City Chuo Ward, South 5-jo Nishi 3-chome 6 N Grande Building 1F
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.ganso-yokocho.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS \u2013 CHAIN STORES\"\"<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ippudo (Multiple Locations)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ippudo is a ramen chain with locations across Japan and around the world, with consistently high-quality ramen. They pushed ramen into the world when they opened in New York in 2008.<\/p>\n

The signature Akamaru ramen features a rich tonkatsu broth, thin noodles made from Ippudo\u2019s own brand of flour called Kaze, and tender chashu<\/em>. The service is efficient, and the atmosphere is lively, making Ippudo a great option for a quick ramen fix.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> Multiple branches, see website
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.ippudo.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ichiran (Multiple Locations)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Saving the most famous for the last, Ichiran is known for its unique dining experience, with private booths that allow you to focus intently on the ramen, with orders and food taken and served behind curtains right at the booths. The 100% pork bone extracted, tonkatsu broth is rich and creamy, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. Without a single interaction, you can customise your ramen with a variety of toppings and spice levels.<\/p>\n

Started in 1960 as a food stall, Ichiran is from Fukuoka where tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen is famous for. To experience this solo dining, be prepared to wait for empty booths.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> Multiple branches, see website
\nWebsite: https:\/\/en.ichiran.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Singapore<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After reading all these, you\u2019re bound to suddenly have a huge craving for ramen! Fret not, as some of them are right here in Singapore!<\/p>\n