Hienadz Vardanyan 
Ramen can come in various forms and flavors, what makes Hakata ramen stand out is the pork bone broth that forms the base.
Alongside more typical flavors like soy sauce, miso, and some salt, Hakata ramen is a rich soup that many struggle to resist.
Complementing the soup is the supple, chewy texture of the ramen itself.
You can also expect to find boiled egg halves, green onions, and freshly chopped vegetables to create a stunning, mouth-watering dish.
The creamy pork bone broth is the defining factor in any bowl of Hakata ramen.
You may find some bowls simply contain too much grease yet a good bowl of Hakata ramen will be clean and include a layered taste.
That’s why finding the right ramen restaurant is so important.
The Japanese capital is renowned for being home to some of the most incredible ramen experiences you can try.
Tokyo has hundreds of ramen places so narrowing down your choice to simply Hakata ramen should make it easier yet there is still a choice to be made.
Hakata Ramen Barikote
Located a short five-minute walk from Tokoenji station, Hakata Ramen Barikote serves some of Tokyo’s best Hakata ramen.
You will only find it served in the typical form of a pork bone broth only which provides a rich taste.
Their means of cooking the dish reduces any excess grease so a portion becomes highly refreshing.
The taste will still be intensely rich as the restaurant looks to boil their pork bones for a full 16 hours to completely extract that distinct taste.
There are five specific hardness levels to choose from for their noodles and you can specify yours when ordering.
Whichever you decide to go for, their signature dish is Barikote Char Siu which is a simmered dish prepared in a special highly-secret sauce, though their egg ramen also comes highly recommended.
Several customers have left glowing reviews of the dish which continues to serve repeat customers, as does their straight noodles which are perfectly cooked and left to soak in the delicious ramen soup.
The shop is distinguishable and hard to miss due to its cute entrance. If you find yourself near Tokoenji station, then Hakata Ramen Barikote is surely worth a try.
Store Information
- Tel: +813-5378-0326
- Business hours: Monday to Saturdays, lunch is served from 11:30 to 15:00 and then dinner is served from 17:30 to 2:00 (the next day) On Sunday, lunch is served from 11:30 to 15:00 and then dinner is served from 17:30 to 23:00
- Access: A five-minute walk from Tokoenji Station or an 11-minute walk from Nakano Station.
- Address: 1-30-15 Koenji Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Kyushu Jangara
You can judge the popularity of a ramen place by the queues outside, which makes Kyushu Jangara hugely popular in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo.
Their delicious noodle and ramen dishes are undoubtedly the reason they have such repeat custom.
Many customers have found the ramen place by sampling the competition and noting that consistent issue that you can get with Hakata ramen.
Of a greasy broth or an overpowering smell and taste from the wrong balance of ingredients.
Kyushu Jangara has worked that balance out and serves delicious Hakata ramen that is easy to eat with a mild taste.
No overpowering scents or lingering tastes, you would also be advised to check the other dishes that Kyushu Jangara offers.
That includes their Vegan ramen with dark soy sauce, Tonkotsu ramen, Seafood Dashi tsukemen amongst others.
With their delicious ramen and selection of broths, Kyushu Jangara has managed to capture that authentic ramen taste that can be tricky to find, even in Tokyo.
Their prices are also well-suited for repeat custom.
Store Information
- https://kyushujangara.co.jp/shops/akihabara/
- Tel: +813-3251-4059
- Business hours: From Monday to Friday the restaurant is open from 10:30 to 23:30. At weekends, and also holidays, the restaurant is open from 9:30-23:30
- Access: A three-minute walk from Exit #3 of Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
- Address: 3-11-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hirasawa
Hirasawa is famed for its Hakata ramen (also referred to as Tonkotsu ramen) and won the 2014 TRY Rookie Award in that specific category.
They have not rested on their laurels and their Tonkotsu ramen still continues to bring in the crowds.
You can find out why their tasty bowl of noodles is so renowned when you are presented with a portion, topped with green onions and seasoned eggs with the option of even more delicious toppings.
Considering the fact that the restaurant is in the heart of Tokyo, to its credit the menu remains incredibly affordable.
A feature that has made the restaurant popular with tourists and locals alike. The wide menu also considers a range of dietary requirements, including a plant-based menu.
You should also note that the restaurant also has a limited menu that may vary across stores and by the season.
With very reasonable prices and delicious ramen, it is no surprise that the restaurant tends to seem bustling.
Their award-winning Tonkotsu ramen is just one reason to visit yet you may have to return for me. With a very light taste, a bowl can go down really easily.
That perfect balance of flavors and textures is undoubtedly one thing to add to your must-try list when in Tokyo.
Store Information
- Tel: +813-6261-4631
- Business hours: Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 22: 00. On Saturdays from 11:00 to 16:00
- Regular holiday: Sunday and public holidays
- Access: A three-minute walk from Exit #3 of Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo Line
- Address: 2-16-10 Misakicho, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hakata Ramen Gatsun
Appearances can be deceiving and while it may not look to be the prettiest or biggest ramen place, Hakata Ramen Gatsun should still be busy.
That is largely down to the taste and affordability of their dishes which entices tourists, visitors and locals.
You should want to try their delicious Hakata ramen but consider their well-known Gatsun ramen. A bowl of the deliciously rich soup from pork bones is well worth sampling.
The restaurant appreciates how expertly prepared their food is yet they also offer a single free refill which is ideal if you need a filling meal to start or end the day.
Frankly, you will struggle to find ramen that tastes anything like this.
With good reason too, the secret behind the food on their menu is guarded closely with the Nagahama stand being inherited from teacher to student.
Whatever the secret, it is obvious from customer reviews that they keep coming back and that’s always an excellent sign.
While the restaurant may be tricky to find, customers still flock there for the addictive Hakata ramen and Negi ramen
The restaurant’s food may be the huge draw yer their fast and friendly customer service is also worth noting.
Store Information
- Tel: +813-5608-8188
- Business hours: From 11:30 to 24:00
- Regular holiday: No regular holiday
- Access: A 600m walk from Kuramae Station
- Address: 1-20-6 Honjo, Sumida-Ku, Tokyo
Hakata Nagahama Ramen Tanaka Shoten Main Store
Nagahama’s fish market is well worth a visit on its own merits yet you should also find some great options for Hakata ramen.
One of which is Tanaka Shoten which should stand out thanks to its huge logo and excellent use of lighting.
The restaurant was opened in December 2000 and soon became famed for its Hakata Nagahama ramen.
The Hakata Nagahama ramen is the restaurant’s calling card and is specific to the fish market district so there is little chance of finding it anywhere else in Tokyo.
Even if you did, chances are that the dish will fail to taste as authentic.
The stunning, glamorous sign at the entrance draws in customers, to the extent that the restaurant has installed queuing barriers.
Customers may be waiting but at least they will be organized while they do so.
Once inside, they can expect to be served quickly and their most popular dish is Tanaka Shoten, so good, it’s also incorporated into the restaurant’s name.
The dish is made from pure oil sauce and pork bone which is cooked for a whole three days.
Such an extensive cooking process creates a rich yet modest soup that features plenty of subtle flavors.
Their extra-fine noodles are sent in directly from Fukuoka, no expense is spared for such quality and care.
If you struggle to get a seat, the restaurant also puts their food in easy-to-carry and eat cups for a simple takeaway.
This is ideal if you want to sample the wares of the fish market while you eat.
Customers tend to rave about the Hakata ramen most of all for its mild and moreish taste. You could even argue that for authentic Hakata ramen, this is the only restaurant to try.
Simply going for the restaurant serving may be the best policy yet you could also customize your ramen with plenty of additional toppings including green onions, spring onions, egg, Char Siu, and several others.
Store Information
- Tel: +813-3860-3232
- Business hours: The restaurant is open from 6:00PM to 4:00AM (the next day)
- Regular holiday: No regular holiday
- Access: About a 15-minute walk from Exit #A1 of Tsukuba Express Rokucho Station
- Address: 2-14-6 Hitotsuya, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
