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Ramen Blog
The 5 AM Ramen blog dives deep into the world of ramen. "Best Ramen Lists" include top picks in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan.


Fresh Chicken Ramen at Tori-Soba Salt
Tori-Soba Salt (鶏そば そると), as the name would suggest, is all about chicken and salt seasoned ramen. This ramen shop is just a 3 minute...
Feb 12, 20202 min read


Matador: Tokyo's Premier Beef Bone Ramen
Matador is most ramen critic’s choice for beef bone ramen in Tokyo. They've ensure they stand out.
Feb 7, 20201 min read


Intense Niboshi Ramen at Nishikawa
Chukasoba Nishikawa (中華そば 西川) has devised the most intensely flavored niboshi ramen I’ve ever had. This is pure niboshi, only for...
Feb 5, 20201 min read


Tomato Ramen, Ice Cold Ramen in Jimbocho: Totoko
Among shops peddling ramen in Jimbocho, Totoko is one of the most famous. They use the freshest ingredients from Yamagata in all of their ra
Feb 3, 20202 min read


Top 5 Unique Tsukemen in Tokyo, Including Italian?
My top 5 picks for unique tsukemen (dipping ramen) in Tokyo - from rich lamb tsukemen to tomato tsukemen!
Feb 3, 20202 min read


Ramen Manrai: Humongous Portions Since 1961
Ramen Manrai has a cult following. They've be dishing out humongous bowls of shoyu ramen since 1961.
Jan 31, 20202 min read


Tori Paitan Ramen in Ikebukuro – Tori no Ana
For tori paitan ramen in Ikebukuro, Tori no Ana is fantastic. Their creamy chicken ramen is rich but well-balanced.
Jan 30, 20201 min read


Shinka: Best Shio Ramen in Tokyo?
The best shio ramen in Tokyo? Many believe this title goes to Shinka in Machida.
Jan 27, 20202 min read


Best Ramen in Yoyogi, Chewy Noodles: Isoji
For ramen in Yoyogi, Isoji (麺恋処 いそじ) claims first place. The ramen portions are generous and feature extra chewy, homemade noodles made...
Jan 23, 20202 min read


Michelin Praised Chicken Ramen: Menya Ishin
Menya Ishin is praised for its chicken-centric shoyu ramen. This ihas ncluded regular nods from Michelin.
Jan 21, 20202 min read


Smooth Miso Ramen in Akasaka: Ittenbari
For miso ramen in Akasaka, Akasaka Ittenbari (赤坂一点張) is the top choice. With massive portions, choose a base of miso or a blend of both...
Jan 18, 20201 min read


Atariya Shokudo - Kyushu Ramen in Yanaka
Atariya Shokudo (あたりや食堂) serves amazing Kyushu style ramen in Tokyo's Yanaka neighborhood. Their ramen recipes go back to 1948! These...
Jan 14, 20202 min read


Best Tokyo Yakisoba: Mikasa in Jimbocho
For the best Tokyo yakisoba, look no further than Mikasa in Jimbocho. Mikasa takes yakisoba to the next level.
Jan 9, 20201 min read


Lava Red Ramen at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto
Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto serves lava red, super spicy ramen. Order their ironically named, fiery “Arctic”, but be warned!
Jan 6, 20202 min read


Yoga Area Ramen Shop Sairaiken – Since 1959
When it comes to the Yoga area for ramen, I absolutely love ramen restaurant Sairaiken (再来軒). Now celebrating 60 years of business, it’s...
Jan 2, 20201 min read


Nakiryu: Michelin Star Spicy Ramen
Nakiryu and their spicy ramen (tantanmen) achieved Michelin star fame in 2017. Here’s what to know if you plan to visit!
Dec 30, 20193 min read


Italian Ramen with Gorgonzola Cheese at Due Italian
If Italian ramen exists, it must look like this. Due Italian serves an elegant ramen that uniquely features prosciutto ham and gorgonzola...
Dec 29, 20191 min read


Top 6 Roppongi Ramen Shops Open Late (5 AM Special)
After a night out in raucous Roppongi, ramen is the perfect nightcap. From creamy tonkotsu to burnt miso ramen, here are 6 Roppongi ramen...
Dec 22, 20192 min read


Jiyugaoka Ramen: Ie-Kei Style at Toraibu
Jiyugaoka ramen – slim pickings, for the most part. The posh Jiyugaoka neighborhood is more about fashion and pancakes. But Toraibu (渡来武)...
Dec 15, 20191 min read


Goryokaku in Ogikubo: Hakodate Shio Ramen
Goryokaku (函館塩ラーメン 五稜郭) in Ogikubo has masterfully produced a shio ramen inspired by Hakodate City and the sea. It’s a refreshing,...
Dec 12, 20192 min read
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