Ramen(Ramen Noodles)

Free Japanese ramen bowl image Food

What is Ramen?

Ramen is a popular Japanese dish that consists of wheat noodles served in a savory broth, typically flavored with soy sauce, miso, or pork bone broth. It is often accompanied by various toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, and soft-boiled eggs. Ramen is known for its rich and complex flavors, with each region in Japan having its own unique style. It has gained worldwide popularity and has become a beloved comfort food for many.

What types of ramen are there?

Here are some broad categories to classify the different types of Japanese ramen based on their characteristics:

  1. Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce Ramen):
    Shoyu ramen is characterized by its clear and savory broth seasoned with soy sauce. It often includes toppings like sliced roasted pork (chashu), bamboo shoots, nori seaweed, and green onions.
  2. Miso Ramen:
    Miso ramen features a thick and rich broth made from soybean paste (miso). It usually has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Common toppings include corn, bean sprouts, ground pork, butter, and garlic.
  3. Shio Ramen (Salt Ramen):
    Shio ramen has a clear and light broth seasoned with salt. The broth is typically made from a combination of chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Toppings may include boiled eggs, spinach, seaweed, and bamboo shoots.
  4. Tonkotsu Ramen:
    Tonkotsu ramen is known for its creamy and rich pork bone broth. The broth is simmered for hours to create a thick and flavorful base. It is often served with toppings such as sliced pork belly, black garlic oil, wood ear mushrooms, and pickled ginger.
  5. Tsukemen:
    Tsukemen is a style of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth. The thick and chewy noodles are then dipped into a concentrated broth, usually made from soy sauce or tonkotsu. Common toppings include sliced pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots.

These are just a few examples of the many types of ramen available in Japan. Each region and ramen shop may have their own unique variations and flavors. Enjoy exploring the world of Japanese ramen.

Popular ramen restaurants in Tokyo

Ramen is Japan’s national food, so there are ramen shops all over the country. Depending on statistics, it is said that there are approximately 30,000 to 40,000 ramen restaurants in Japan.

First, we will introduce some famous ramen chain restaurants.

Tenkaippin (天下一品)

“Tenkaippin” is a Japanese ramen chain known for its rich and hearty ramen with a distinctive thick soup. It is popularly known as “Tenichi.” Here is some detailed information about Tenkaippin:

  1. Founding and History: Tenkaippin was founded in 1971 in Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The hallmark of this ramen chain is its rich soy-based ramen soup, which has garnered a loyal following for its unique flavor. Founder Tutomu Kimura preserved the recipe for the soup and its distinctive taste.
  2. Menu: Tenkaippin’s ramen comes in both light (“Assari”) and rich (“Kotteri”) flavors. The signature dish at Tenkaippin is the “Kotteri Ramen,” characterized by an extremely rich soy-based soup and thick, curly noodles. The soup is served with a special soy sauce blend, giving it its intense flavor. Toppings include chashu (sliced pork), menma (bamboo shoots), green onions, and more.
  3. Customization Options: Tenkaippin offers customization options, allowing you to adjust the richness and spiciness of the soup to your liking, among other choices.
天下一品 -鶏がらベースのこってりラーメンが自慢!-
こってりスープが自慢の天下一品へいらっしゃい!こってりラーメンはネットでご注文頂けます。お店でもご自宅でも「天下一品自慢のこってり」をお楽しみ下さい!

Ichiran (一蘭)

“Ichiran” is a famous Japanese ramen chain known for its unique counter-style seating and special tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. Here is some basic information about Ichiran:

  1. Founding and History: Ichiran was founded in 1960 in Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Founder Sadayuki Nakahara and Keiko Nakahara developed a secret recipe for their special tonkotsu ramen broth, which gained popularity for its deliciousness. Since then, Ichiran has expanded with numerous branches in Japan and internationally, earning love from ramen enthusiasts worldwide.
  2. Menu: The signature dish at Ichiran is their special tonkotsu ramen. It features a rich and creamy pork bone-based soup, straight thin noodles, chashu (braised pork), bean sprouts, green onions, and other toppings. Ichiran offers a unique system where customers can customize their ramen by specifying preferences for noodle firmness, soup richness, garlic, spice level, and more.
  3. Counter-Style Seating: Ichiran is known for its distinctive counter-style seating (taste concentration counter), where individual diners are separated by partitions, allowing them to enjoy their ramen without interacting with others. Orders are placed using a dedicated order sheet, and the personalized experience in front of the counter is a part of Ichiran’s charm. The taste concentration counter has been patented.
天然とんこつラーメン 一蘭
天然とんこつラーメン専門店 一蘭 公式WEBサイト。店舗案内、システムのご紹介、優先案内サービス、イベント情報、採用情報、会社案内 など。

Taishoken (大勝軒)

  1. Founding and History:Taishoken is one of the Japanese ramen chains and is known as the originator of tsukemen.
    The founder is Kazuo Yamagishi. Mr. Yamagishi moved to Tokyo after the war and began training at a ramen shop at the invitation of his cousin, Mr. Masayasu Sakaguchi. Afterwards, he and Mr. Sakaguchi opened Taishoken in Nakano, and in 1954 they opened another in Yoyogi Uehara. Here, we devised “special mori soba” (tsukemen), which is eaten by cooling the noodles and dipping them in hot soup. This is said to be the first tsukemen in Japan.
  2. Menu:
    As for the characteristics of Ramen Taishoken, first of all, the soup is mainly made with seafood such as dried sardines and mackerel, and has a rich and fragrant taste. You can also add toppings such as yuzu or green onions to give it a refreshing impression. Most of the noodles are homemade and thick and straight, and you can enjoy the flavor of flour and chewy texture. The standard ingredients include menma, char siu, and egg, but you can also add toppings such as wonton or chargrilled pork. In addition to ramen, the menu also includes tsukemen, abura soba, and wonton noodles.
元祖つけ麺 東池袋大勝軒 オフィシャルサイト | YAMAGISHI JIRUSHI TAI-SHO-KEN
つけ麺の考案者である山岸一雄が心で築き上げた伝承の仕込み・味わいの具材・こだわりの出汁・手作りの麺、そして継承される「もてなしの心」。温もりの味と心の東池袋大勝軒公式サイト

Kourakuen (幸楽苑)

Kourakuen” is a Japanese ramen chain known for its diverse ramen menu and consistent quality. Here is some basic information about Kourakuen:

  1. Founding and History: The founder is Isamu Matsumoto. Mr. Matsumoto opened his first store in 1954 in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. At that time, the name was “Chinese Soba Shop”, but the name was changed to “Korakuen” in 1960. After that, we increased the number of stores mainly in the Tohoku region, and in 1978 we expanded into the Kanto region. Currently, we have approximately 600 stores nationwide². Ramen Korakuen aims to be a “neighborhood ramen shop” that is rooted in the local community, and each store offers its own unique menu and service.
  2. Menu: First of all, the soup is chicken based and has a light taste. You can also enjoy variations with seasonings and toppings such as soy sauce and miso. Most of the noodles are homemade and are thin and curly, and go well with the soup. The standard ingredients include menma, chashu, and egg, but you can also add toppings like beef or green onions. In addition to ramen, the menu also includes tsukemen, abura soba, and gyoza.
  3. Distinctive Style: Kourakuen is known for its casual atmosphere and flat table seating. Some branches offer a self-service style where customers can add their own toppings to their dishes at the table.
幸楽苑公式サイト
株式会社幸楽苑の公式ウェブサイトです。らーめんを主としたメニューや店舗、求人情報を掲載しています。

Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto (蒙古タンメン中本)

“Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto” is a Japanese ramen chain known for its spicy and flavorful ramen dishes. Here is some detailed information about Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto:

  1. Founding and History: Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto was founded in 1997 in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Its founder, Tetsuya Nakamoto, drew inspiration from spicy dishes in China’s Sichuan province and aimed to create a ramen known for its spiciness and bold flavors. Its unique blend of spices and heat have garnered a loyal following among spice enthusiasts.
  2. Menu: The flagship menu item at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto is the “Mouko Tanmen,” a spicy ramen dish. It features a spicy toubanjiang (chili bean paste) broth, thin noodles, chashu (braised pork), bean sprouts, green onions, corn, and other toppings. The level of spiciness can be customized to cater to individual preferences.
  3. Customizable Spice Levels: Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto allows customers to customize the level of spiciness, ranging from extremely spicy to milder options, catering to a wide range of tastes. The “super spicy” ramen, often referred to as “gekikara” or “cho-gekikara,” is particularly popular among those seeking a fiery challenge.

Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto is well-known for its spicy ramen, and it has garnered a strong following among spice aficionados. However, it’s worth noting that the spiciness can be quite intense, and it may be a bit challenging for those who are not accustomed to spicy cuisine.

蒙古タンメン中本 – 辛うまラーメン日本一!

Menya Musashi (麺屋武蔵)

Menya Musashi is a ramen chain that originated from Shinjuku, Tokyo. It has been challenging the innovation of ramen with its unique and original style. Menya Musashi has over 15 stores in Japan and overseas, serving millions of customers every year. Menya Musashi’s signature ramen is the Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, which features a thick and creamy broth that is made from boiling pork bones for hours. The broth is paired with thick and straight noodles that are custom-made with a special blend of wheat flour. Customers can choose from three flavors of ramen: shiro (white), which is the original flavor with a simple and pure taste; kuro (black), which is enhanced with a special blend of oil and squid ink; and aka (red), which is topped with a spicy miso paste. Menya Musashi also offers limited-edition ramen that are only available at certain locations. These include regional specialties that use local ingredients, as well as unique creations that have their own stories. For example, some of the limited-edition ramen are: motsu miso ramen, which uses pork intestines and miso; kogashi shoyu ramen, which uses burnt soy sauce; oni niboshi ramen, which uses dried sardines and chili; and ebi shio ramen, which uses shrimp and salt. In addition to ramen, Menya Musashi also serves various side dishes that complement the main dish. Some of the popular side dishes are: gyoza, which are bite-sized dumplings that are crispy and juicy; chahan, which is fried rice with eggs and vegetables; mentaiko gohan, which is rice with spicy cod roe; chikara meshi, which is rice with char siu and spicy cod roe; and ontama gohan, which is rice with a soft-boiled egg and soy sauce. Menya Musashi is more than just a ramen restaurant. It is a place where people can enjoy the culture and history of Shinjuku, as well as the passion and innovation of Menya Musashi. It is a place where people can challenge themselves to finish the huge portions of ramen. It is a place where people can experience the “Musashi” sensation of eating ramen. Menya Musashi invites you to join them in this journey of taste and discovery.

https://menya634.co.jp/?lang=zh2

Ringer Hut (リンガーハット)

“Ringer Hut” is a Japanese ramen chain primarily known for its unique style of ramen called “Nagasaki Champon.” Here is some basic information about Ringer Hut:

  1. Founding and History: Ringer Hut was founded in 1962 in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The chain is known for its distinctive Champon ramen and has since expanded with numerous branches in Japan and abroad.
  2. Menu: The signature dish at Ringer Hut is the “Nagasaki Champon.” It consists of a special pork bone-based broth in the center, thick Champon noodles, pork, shrimp, cabbage, green onions, and fish kamaboko (fish cake) as toppings. They also offer rice sets and side dishes.
  3. Distinctive Style: Ringer Hut’s interior has a casual atmosphere, making it suitable for families and friends to enjoy a meal together. Champon noodles are known for their rich variety of ingredients and the unique flavor of the special broth.

Ringer Hut is known for its Nagasaki Champon, a unique ramen style characterized by its diverse ingredients and special broth. If you’d like to try Nagasaki Champon, you can savor its deliciousness at a Ringer Hut branch.

長崎ちゃんぽん リンガーハット
長崎ちゃんぽん専門店「リンガーハット」公式Webサイトです。国産野菜にこだわるリンガーハット自慢のメニュー情報をはじめ、店舗情報、キャンペーン、採用情報などをお届けします。

日高屋

“Hidakaya” is a Japanese fast-food chain primarily known for offering ramen and gyoza (dumplings). Here is some basic information about Hidakaya:

  1. Founding and History: Hidakaya was founded in 1973 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Its founder, Tadasi Kanda, aimed to provide delicious and convenient ramen and gyoza, and based on this philosophy, expanded the chain.
  2. Menu: Hidakaya’s menu includes a variety of Japanese dishes, with a focus on ramen and gyoza. Representative menu items include shoyu ramen, miso ramen, tantanmen, chashu-men, and more. Additionally, many branches offer side dishes such as rice, curry, and fried rice.
  3. Popularity: Hidakaya is popular for providing affordable and delicious Japanese cuisine. It is a frequently visited fast-food chain for enjoying Japanese comfort food like ramen and gyoza.

Hidakaya is a fast-food chain known for offering tasty and convenient Japanese dishes at affordable prices.

熱烈中華食堂日高屋 | 株式会社 ハイデイ日高
熱烈中華食堂日高屋のウェブサイトです。豊富なメニューと店舗情報を掲載中。

Yamaokaya (山岡家)

Ramen Yamaokaya is a ramen chain that originated from Hokkaido, Japan. It offers a variety of ramen dishes that are based on the rich pork bone broth, but also incorporate different flavors and ingredients. Here are some features of Ramen Yamaokaya:

  • Ramen Yamaokaya was founded in 1988 in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. It was inspired by the Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, which is made with pork bone broth. Ramen Yamaokaya has been preserving the tradition of Hakata ramen while also creating new possibilities for the dish. It has expanded to over 150 stores across Japan.
  • Ramen Yamaokaya’s signature ramen is the tonkotsu ramen, which features a thick and creamy broth that is made from boiling pork bones for hours. The broth is paired with thick and straight noodles that are custom-made with a special blend of wheat flour. Customers can choose from five types of tonkotsu ramen: shoyu (soy sauce), miso, shio (salt), tokusei miso (special miso), and kara miso (spicy miso).
  • Ramen Yamaokaya also offers limited-edition ramen that are only available at certain locations. These include regional specialties that use local ingredients, as well as unique creations that have their own stories. For example, some of the limited-edition ramen are: motsu miso ramen, which uses pork intestines and miso; kogashi shoyu ramen, which uses burnt soy sauce; oni niboshi ramen, which uses dried sardines and chili; and ebi shio ramen, which uses shrimp and salt.
  • In addition to ramen, Ramen Yamaokaya also serves various side dishes that complement the main dish. Some of the popular side dishes are: gyoza, which are bite-sized dumplings that are crispy and juicy; chahan, which is fried rice with eggs and vegetables; mentaiko gohan, which is rice with spicy cod roe; chikara meshi, which is rice with char siu and spicy cod roe; and ontama gohan, which is rice with a soft-boiled egg and soy sauce.
ガツンと来て、くせになる。ラーメン山岡家

Gyoza no Osho (餃子の王将)

Gyoza no Osho is a Chinese restaurant chain that specializes in gyoza, or dumplings. It was founded in 1967 in Kyoto, Japan, by Asao Kato who is a former sumo wrestler and who wanted to share his love for gyoza with the world. Gyoza no Osho has over 600 stores across Japan and overseas, serving millions of customers every year.

Gyoza no Osho’s signature dish is the Hakata-style gyoza, which features a thin and crispy skin that wraps around a juicy and flavorful filling of pork, garlic, ginger, and cabbage. The gyoza are served with a dipping sauce that is made with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil. Customers can choose from three sizes of gyoza: small (6 pieces), medium (12 pieces), or large (18 pieces).

Gyoza no Osho also offers a variety of Chinese dishes that complement the main dish. Some of the popular dishes are: Hakata Ramen, which is a noodle soup with a rich pork bone broth; Shrimp Fried Rice, which is fried rice with shrimp and eggs; Mabo Tofu, which is tofu with spicy minced meat and bean paste sauce; and Chashu Don, which is rice topped with sliced roasted pork.

餃子の王将 公式サイト
餃子の王将、公式サイトへようこそ!餃子へのこだわりから種類豊富な中華料理メニューのご紹介、お得なイベント・フェア情報まで。日本を美味しくする情報が満載です。

ラーメン二郎

Ramen Jiro is a ramen chain that originated from Meguro, Tokyo. It is famous for its large portions, thick noodles, and rich pork broth. It has a loyal fan base called “Jirolians” who love its unique and customizable style. Here are some features of Ramen Jiro:

  • Ramen Jiro has its main store in Mita, Minato, where the Keio University Mita Campus is located. It was founded in 1968 as “Ramen Jiro” by Takumi Yamada, a former Japanese cuisine chef. The name was inspired by a popular instant ramen called “Ramen Taro” that was released in 1967. However, due to a mistake by a painter, the sign of the store was written as “Ramen Niro” (Niro means two in Japanese), and Yamada decided to keep it that way .
  • Ramen Jiro has several branches that are run by former employees of the main store. Each branch has its own characteristics and variations, but they all follow the basic recipe and style of the main store. The branches are not franchises, but rather independent businesses that pay a fee to use the name and logo of Ramen Jiro.
  • Ramen Jiro’s signature dish is the Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, which features a thick and creamy broth that is made from boiling pork bones for hours. The broth is paired with thick and chewy noodles that are made with a special blend of wheat flour. Customers can choose from three sizes of ramen: small, medium, or large. The large size can weigh up to 1 kg and is enough for two or three people.
  • Ramen Jiro’s toppings include slices of roasted pork, bean sprouts, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and lard. Customers can customize their ramen by adding or subtracting toppings, or by asking for more or less soup, noodles, or oil. Some of the popular requests are “buta-daburu” (double pork), “yasai-mashi” (extra vegetables), “ninniku-iri” (with garlic), and “abura-sukuname” (less oil) .
ラーメン二郎 池袋 東口店 公式ホームページ
ラーメン二郎 池袋 東口店| 池袋でラーメンなら ラーメン二郎 !ラーメン二郎 池袋東口店のホームページにようこそ!人気メニュー 営業時間 求人情報などご案内!

IPPUDO一風堂

Ippudo is a ramen chain that originated from Hakata, Japan. It offers a variety of ramen dishes that are based on the traditional pork bone broth, but also incorporate innovative flavors and ingredients.

Ippudo is a ramen restaurant that delivers the joy of slurping noodles to the world. It was founded in 1985 in Hakata, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, which is made with pork bone broth. Ippudo has been preserving the tradition of Hakata ramen while also creating new possibilities for the dish. It has expanded to over 20 countries and regions, serving millions of customers every year.

Ippudo’s signature ramen is the Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, which features a silky and rich broth that is extracted from pork bones for 18 hours and matured for another 24 hours. The broth is paired with thin and straight noodles that are custom-made with a special blend of wheat flour. Customers can choose from three types of tonkotsu ramen: Shiromaru Motoaji, which is the original flavor with a simple and pure taste; Akamaru Shinaji, which is enhanced with a special blend of oil and spicy miso; and Karaka-men, which is topped with spicy minced meat and sesame.

Ippudo also offers limited-edition ramen that are only available at certain locations. These include regional specialties that use local ingredients, as well as unique creations that have their own stories. For example, some of the limited-edition ramen are: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, which uses only pork heads for the broth; Hakata Shoyu Ramen, which uses a soy sauce from a local producer; Hakata Chuka Soba, which is a clear chicken broth with yuzu citrus flavor; and Shio Soba, which uses seven kinds of salt from around the world.

In addition to ramen, Ippudo also serves various side dishes that complement the main dish. Some of the popular side dishes are: Hakata Hito-kuchi Gyoza, which are bite-sized dumplings that are crispy and juicy; Hakata Chahan, which is fried rice with a fluffy texture; Mentaiko Gohan, which is rice with spicy cod roe; Hakata no Chikara Meshi, which is rice with char siu and spicy cod roe; and Ontama Gohan, which is rice with a soft-boiled egg and soy sauce.

ラーメン【一風堂】
"Zuzutto”すする喜びを世界中に伝える、博多発祥のラーメン専門店【一風堂】の公式ウェブサイト。新商品、キャンペーン、店舗検索、求人、通販などをご紹介。

Please check the popular ranking of ramen restaurants below (link to the famous gourmet site “Tabelog”)

東京で人気のラーメン・つけ麺 ランキングTOP20 | 食べログ
東京にあるラーメン・つけ麺のお店の中から、食べログユーザーおすすめの人気ランキングTOP20を発表!(2024年9月1日時点のランキングを表示中)ラーメン・つけ麺 ランキングは毎月更新!日本最大級のグルメサイト「食べログ」では、ユーザーの口コミ・評価から独自に算出したランキングで、人気のお店や美味しいお店、話題のお店が...

Ramen extra edition

Eating ramen at a restaurant is delicious, but in Japan there are so many different types of instant ramen, such as cup ramen, that you won’t be able to eat all of them. Recently, convenience stores have started selling ramen using raw noodles, as well as collaboration products with famous ramen shops. I hope you enjoy this too.

I’m thinking of delivering a special feature on cup ramen someday.

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