Pineapple Ramen? What on earth? I remember the first time I visited Papapapapine (パパパパパイン). I’ll be honest – I went for the shock value. I didn’t expect it would be as tasty as it was.
Yes, Pineapple Ramen
Papapapapine used to be located in the Nishi-Ogikubo neighborhood of Tokyo, in a drinking area. Their setting couldn’t be more different now. They moved to a shopping mall in Machida (Western Tokyo). At least their unusual ramen lives on!
For your ramen, choose from the following foundations:
Shrimp Shio
Shio (without shrimp)
Shoyu
Spicy
Cold
Pictured is the shrimp shio (salt) ramen – their most popular. The soup is mostly a blend of seafood and kelp. A salty shrimp flavor is most prominent. Of course, the soup includes pineapple juice too. Overall, this salty and sweet mix works well. It’s like sipping a tropical ramen cocktail.
Among the toppings, cut pineapples and a bright yellow egg (marinated in pineapple juice) steal the spotlight. Shredded red pepper brings some heat and spinach some bitterness. Balance, all around.
Lastly, thin and straight noodles suck in the somewhat confusing, but undeniably tasty broth. Also – all the above ramen options also come in tsukemen form (dipping ramen).
Discover what other ramen surprises Tokyo is hiding!
Pineapples All The Way
At their Machida location, they have a bit more space than before. The owner fully commits to the theme – with pineapple-shaped lamps and containers, and even pineapple-patterned curtains.
During the swelteringly humid Tokyo summers, what sounds more refreshing than a bowl of pineapple ramen? While Papapapapine has consistently been on “Tokyo’s Most Bizarre Ramen” list, you might be surprised at how much you like their ramen.
Video review below!