Tokyo-style ramen is the quintessential representation of “Soy sauce based ramen” and serves as the prototype of Japanese ramen. In many cases, it features a Japanese-style broth, soy sauce-based seasoning, and medium-thin curly Chinese noodles.
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In contrast to emerging ramen varieties emphasizing intense richness or spiciness, Tokyo-style ramen stands as a timeless favorite, unaffected by chasing trends, and has maintained its popularity since ancient times.
Within the Tokyo metropolis, there are thousands of ramen shops, offering a diverse range of flavors and styles.
This article delves into the distinctive features and history of Tokyo-style ramen, also showcasing recommended ramen shops.
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The features of Tokyo Style Ramen
It is a conventional ramen that has persisted to the present, and although there are variations, it typically follows this style. The broth, often clear, is made by simmering a combination of chicken bones, vegetables, and pork bones (some shops may also use dried fish). The accompanying sauce is a soy sauce-based Japanese-style sauce, with a faint layer of fat floating on the surface.
The noodles are slightly thin, using curly noodles that easily intertwine with the soup.
The toppings include chashu (sliced roasted pork), menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and condiments such as green onions. For added color, spinach is sometimes included. Some establishments also serve soft-boiled eggs and seaweed.
The sauce is created by combining soy sauce with broth extracted from pork, chicken, and seafood, but the types of soy sauce and broth vary depending on the shop or region. As a result, even when referring to soy sauce ramen, the taste can vary widely. The choice of noodles also significantly influences the overall impression when consumed.
The History of Tokyo Style Ramen
The history of Tokyo-style ramen is surrounded by various theories, but a prevailing view attributes its origins to the year 1910, with the influential “Rairaiken” in Asakusa, a bustling entertainment district and a hub of trends at the time. Rairaiken is considered a pioneer, laying the foundation for modern ramen and being credited with the inception of shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. It is also said to be the first to introduce chashu (roasted pork slices) and menma (fermented bamboo shoots) as toppings. In doing so, it created the prototype of Japanese ramen, distinct from China’s noodle culture.
Recommended Tokyo Style Ramen Shops
1. Yoroiya Ramen 与ろゐ屋 at Asakusa
The Japanese-style broth, combining pork, chicken, and seafood, presents a lightly savory and easily enjoyable flavor. While it lacks a particularly strong individuality, it becomes a ramen that seems likely to be enjoyed by anyone. The sizable dumplings are also a specialty, so much so that they are an immensely popular item, with about half of the customers placing orders.
The establishment is conveniently located near Senso-ji Temple, making it easy to grab a quick bowl of ramen in the midst of Asakusa sightseeing. Given the nature of Asakusa as a location, it already attracts a significant number of international tourists, and the presence of an English menu adds to the reassurance for non-native speakers.
Yoroiya Ramen Details
Other recommended Ramen shops in Asakusa are here .
2. Raishū-ken 来集軒 at Asakusa
Flat, wavy noodles in a rich amber-colored broth. The dish is adorned with firm menma, simple seaweed, green onions, and succulent shoulder loin chashu, all contributing to its appeal. Begin with a sip of the soup. Its mellow flavor is enhanced by a robustly simmered broth, crisply accentuating the fragrance of soy sauce.
Adding to the excellence of this broth is the flat, wavy noodle. Smooth to the touch, each bite blends the taste of wheat with the aroma of the soup, enhancing the overall experience with every mouthful.
Raishū-ken Details
Other recommended Ramen shops in Asakusa are here .
3. Kiraku 中華麺店 喜楽 at Shibuya
The soy sauce-based broth, passed down from the previous generation, exudes a reliably delicious flavor that instills a sense of comfort. Despite the presence of animal ingredients, the soup maintains a distinct aroma of soy sauce, complemented by the substantial flat, wavy noodles that assert their presence with every mouthful.
The richness of the soup, combined with the abundant “charred green onions” and the delightful crunch they provide, along with the hearty and flavorful richness from the oil, effectively encapsulates the lingering taste that characterizes this renowned Shibuya establishment.
Kiraku Details
Other recommended Ramen shops in Shibuya are here .
4. Shina Soba Tanaka 志奈そば 田なか at Ikebukuro
The soup, made entirely from seafood, offers a truly unique and distinctive flavor. As it contains only seafood ingredients, it imparts a Tokyo-style flavor reminiscent of soba. The flat, ultra-thin noodles resemble fine pasta.
The bowl is adorned with white scallions, shiso leaves, mitsuba, mountain vegetables, and a hint of yuzu, creating a gentle and harmonious dish. Instead of regular menma (fermented bamboo shoots), they use mountain vegetables, embracing a thoroughly Japanese theme.
Shina Soba Tanaka Details
Other recommended Ramen shops in Ikebukuro are here .
5. Suzuran 煮干中華そば 鈴蘭 新宿店
While it may not boast any groundbreaking innovations, its combination of intense broth that showcases the umami and bitterness of dried fish, paired with firm noodles, guarantees a consistently delicious experience. The addition of extra green onions is highly recommended, as they complement the dish exceptionally well. Given the bustling nature of Shinjuku, the menu is diverse and caters to a wide range of tastes, including three varieties of tsukemen (dipping ramen) with options like shrimp and mazesoba (mixed noodles).
Suzuran Details
Other recommended Ramen shops in Shinjuku are here .
Conclusion
Tokyo-style ramen is a simple noodle dish with a soy sauce base, and it stands as a foundational presence in Japanese ramen culture. While ramen styles vary throughout Japan, each is rooted in the prototype of Tokyo-style ramen. When visiting Tokyo, trying Tokyo-style ramen is highly recommended to experience the essence of Japanese ramen culture.
