Noodle novices and experts alike have faced the dilemma of what to order at the ramen shop. Ramen refuses to be categorised neatly. Generally, ramen can be classified by soup (or flavouring; tare), or noodle type or region – you can see why it gets confusing. Everything is jumbled together to create one of Japan’s best dishes.
The four main types are tonkotsu, miso, shoyu and shio, but there are other popular options, too. You’ll also see combinations of these; for example, miso ramen and tonkotsu, a pork bone broth, are sometimes mixed. Specific types of noodles accompany different soups, so you won't find curly noodles everywhere. Most ramen dishes are also associated with their region – you’ll find meaty shoyu ramen in Yokohama whereas Hokkaido is famous for serving hearty miso ramen (with corn!).
This might warp your brain a bit, but remember, the best part of ramen is that there are no strict rules. For all its Michelinstars and global fame, ramen is still the fun and experimental sibling of traditional Japanese noodles such as udon or soba.
This guide breaks down all the classic ramen flavors, and where to eat them in Tokyo. Now go ahead and indulge in that hot bowl of comfort. You deserve it.
RECOMMENDED: 14 best cheap Michelin-starred meals in Tokyo
FAQs
Shoyu ramen is the most common type of ramen and is usually what is served when the menu does not specify a specific type of soup.
What are the different types of ramen in Tokyo? ›
Celebrated as the 'original ramen', tokyo style ramen is the poster child for what wonders can happen can broth meets noodle. The soup tends to be made from chicken or pork bones with some added soy sauce and thick curly noodles.
What type of ramen do they eat in Japan? ›
Broadly speaking, there are four main ramen types. Three of the types refer to seasonings—miso ramen, shio ramen (salt) and shoyu ramen (soy sauce)—while the fourth is tonkotsu, or pork bone stock. Seasonings and stock bases, such as chicken, fish and seafood, are mixed and matched from area to area and shop to shop.
Where is ramen most popular in Japan? ›
These five should be at the top of any ramen adventurer's list.
- Tokyo. Most visits to Japan begin in Tokyo, and so should your ramen tour. ...
- Hakata (f*ckuoka) f*ckuoka is a major city on Kyushu, Japan's southernmost big island. ...
- Sapporo. For fans of miso ramen, you'll want to hop a plane to the far north. ...
- Kitakata. ...
- Nanyo.
Chuka Soba Tomita (中華蕎麦 とみ田) is considered by many as the no. 1 ramen shop in Japan. Celebrated overseas in the documentary "Ramen Heads", award-winning Tomita is a ramen (technically, tsukemen) game-changer. If you plan to visit, here's exactly what to do and how to order.
What are the four most popular types of ramen? ›
Ramen Types - The Big 4
- Tangy Shoyu.
- Bright Shio.
- Milky Tonkotsu.
- Savory Miso.
Ramen is a rich dish filled with endless potential. Accordingly, there are at least 30 regional varieties of ramen in Japan with different broths, noodles, seasonings, and toppings.
Which ramen flavor is the best? ›
The Best Instant Ramen Taste Test Results
- Best Cup Ramen: Tapatio Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup.
- Best Packet Ramen: Sapporo Ichiban Chicken Ramen.
- Spiciest Cup Ramen: Nissin Hot & Spicy Chicken Noodles.
- Best Thick Noodles: Paldo Fun & Yum Kokomen Spicy Chicken Ramen.
- Best Toppings: Nissin Top Ramen Chicken Soup Bowl.
Spicy Miso Ramen (V)
Why is ramen so popular in Tokyo? ›
During World War II, ramen became even more popular in Japan as a cheap and filling meal for soldiers and civilians alike. After the war, cheap and convenient instant ramen noodles were introduced, making the dish even more accessible to the general public.
Ramen gained popularity in Japan, especially during food shortages following World War II. In 1958, instant noodles were invented by Momof*cku Ando, further popularizing the dish. Today, ramen is a cultural icon in Japan, with many regional varieties and a wide range of toppings.
Is ramen unhealthy in Japan? ›
Is Japanese Ramen Healthy? Ramen is not typically considered a "healthy cuisine" in Japanese restaurants for several reasons, including the quantity of white flour-based noodles it includes per serving, making it extremely starchy and detrimental to blood sugar control.
What is the most popular type of ramen noodles? ›
Shoyu is Japanese for soy sauce, and shoyu ramen uses this as the base for its soup alongside other ingredients such as chicken broth. This is the most widespread of all the types of ramen, with a clear brown broth and a huge variety of potential toppings.
Why is Ichiran so popular? ›
Ichiran's unique style of restaurant design, its carefully selected pork bone broth, and the texture of its thin noodles have made it increasingly popular both in Japan and abroad, and it is one of the most representative styles of ramen in Japan's ramen culture.
What is Tokyo style tonkotsu ramen? ›
The broth for tonkotsu ramen is based on pork bones, and tonkotsu (豚骨/とんこつ) in Japanese means "pork bones". The soup broth is prepared by boiling the bones in water for a significant amount of time, up to eighteen hours, and the broth is typically cloudy in appearance.
