Hienadz Vardanyan 
Tokyo is renowned for its culinary delights, and ramen is one of the stars of its vibrant street food scene. From bustling markets to hidden alleyways, you can find delicious bowls of ramen that capture the essence of Japanese cuisine. Here’s a guide to the best street food ramen in Tokyo for every noodle lover.
1. Harukiya Ramen
What to Try:
- Shoyu Ramen: Known for its rich soy sauce-based broth, Harukiya’s shoyu ramen is a classic. The broth is made from a blend of chicken, pork, and fish, giving it a deep, umami flavor.
- Noodles and Toppings: The noodles are firm and springy, topped with slices of tender chashu (braised pork), bamboo shoots, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg.
Where to Find:
- Location: Nakano Broadway, a short walk from Nakano Station.
2. Ramen Street in Tokyo Station
What to Try:
- Variety of Styles: Ramen Street offers multiple famous ramen shops in one location, each specializing in different styles, from tonkotsu (pork bone broth) to miso and shio (salt-based) ramen.
- Special Recommendations: Try Rokurinsha’s tsukemen, a dipping ramen known for its thick, chewy noodles and intensely flavored dipping sauce.
Where to Find:
- Location: Tokyo Station, Yaesu South Exit Basement.
3. Mutekiya Ramen
What to Try:
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Mutekiya is famous for its rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen. The broth is simmered for hours to extract the full flavor of pork bones, creating a luxurious texture.
- Signature Dish: The “Special Ramen” comes loaded with extra chashu, green onions, bamboo shoots, and a flavored egg.
Where to Find:
- Location: Ikebukuro, near the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station.
4. Kagari Ramen
What to Try:
- Tori Paitan Ramen: Kagari specializes in a unique chicken-based paitan (white broth) ramen. The creamy broth is made from chicken bones, creating a rich and smooth flavor.
- Seasonal Specials: Kagari often features seasonal toppings and variations, making each visit a new experience.
Where to Find:
- Location: Ginza, close to Ginza Station.
5. Fu-unji Ramen
What to Try:
- Tsukemen: Fu-unji is celebrated for its tsukemen, where the noodles are served separately from the dipping broth. The broth, made from chicken and fish, is intensely savory and slightly thick.
- Toppings: Enjoy the noodles with chashu, menma (bamboo shoots), and nori (seaweed) for a complete flavor experience.
Where to Find:
- Location: Shinjuku, a short walk from Shinjuku Station.
6. Nakiryu Ramen
What to Try:
- Tantanmen: Nakiryu is one of the few ramen shops awarded a Michelin star. Their tantanmen, a spicy Sichuan-style ramen, is a must-try. The broth combines a delicate balance of spiciness and nuttiness from sesame paste.
- Noodles and Toppings: The noodles are thin and firm, topped with ground pork, green onions, and a touch of chili oil.
Where to Find:
- Location: Otsuka, near Otsuka Station on the Yamanote Line.
7. Menya Musashi
What to Try:
- Rich Broth Ramen: Menya Musashi offers robust broths, whether it’s shoyu or tonkotsu. Their ramen is known for deep flavors and generous portions.
- Innovative Toppings: The toppings often include unique elements like pork belly, flavored oils, and special seasonings.
Where to Find:
- Location: Multiple locations, including Shinjuku and Akihabara.
Conclusion
Tokyo’s street food ramen scene offers an incredible variety of flavors and experiences. From the rich, creamy tonkotsu of Mutekiya to the unique chicken paitan of Kagari, there’s a bowl of ramen for every palate. Whether you’re exploring Ramen Street in Tokyo Station or venturing into hidden alleyways, these must-try ramen spots will ensure your culinary journey through Tokyo is unforgettable. So, grab your chopsticks and dive into the steaming bowls of Tokyo’s best street food ramen!
