top of page

🍜 Ramen – Japan’s Comfort Food

IMG_2001.jpg

📍 What is Ramen?

 

Ramen is one of Japan’s most beloved dishes: a steaming bowl of noodles served in a flavorful broth, topped with delicious extras like sliced pork, soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, or vegetables. Originally inspired by Chinese noodle soup, ramen has developed into a true Japanese soul food with countless regional variations and styles.

 

You’ll find ramen shops everywhere in Tokyo—from tiny counters with only a few seats to famous chains and Michelin-starred spots.

 

 

🍲 The Main Styles of Ramen

 

While every shop adds its own twist, most bowls fall into four classic categories:

 

  • Shoyu (Soy Sauce) – A clear, brown broth seasoned with soy sauce. Balanced and savory, this is the most common style in Tokyo.

  • Shio (Salt) – A lighter, often golden-colored broth flavored primarily with salt. Subtle and delicate, it lets the noodle texture shine.

  • Miso – Originating from Hokkaido, this ramen features a rich, slightly sweet broth made with fermented soybean paste. Perfect in colder weather.

  • Tonkotsu (Pork Bone) – A creamy, hearty broth simmered for hours with pork bones, creating a deep and satisfying flavor. A specialty from Kyushu.

 

Beyond these, countless variations exist—spicy bowls with chili oil, seafood-based broths, dipping ramen called tsukemen, and even vegetarian or vegan versions.

​

🌟 Did You Know?

 

  • Japan has over 30,000 ramen shops, with Tokyo leading the way.

  • Many locals have a “favorite shop” they’re loyal to, and ramen enthusiasts even travel across Japan just to try regional bowls.

  • Slurping your noodles isn’t rude—it’s encouraged, as it enhances the flavor and cools the noodles.

 

 

🚶 Discover Ramen with Us

 

With so many options, finding the right ramen can be overwhelming. Some of the best shops are hidden in backstreets, known only to locals, and menus are often only in Japanese.

 

On our Tokyo food tours, we’ll guide you through the ramen world—explaining the differences, showing you how to order, and taking you to shops you might never find on your own.

 

👉 Join us to taste ramen like a local and experience why this dish is more than just noodles in a bowl.

bottom of page