20th time in Tokyo by myself, so this time around, I tried to hit as many famous names that I haven’t been to as I could instead of just looking up what’s good in the neighborhood.
Afuri Azabujuban, Yuzu Shio ramen: Of course it was empty on a Thursday night. Nothing to say about this bowl that hasn’t already been said. I just have to say personally I was surprised to find how subtle the yuzu ended up being.
Ramen Jiro Mita Honten, Sho Ramen, extra vegetables, extra garlic: 7:30 AM Friday morning, 9th in line. They ended up opening at 8, so I got sat down immediately. Definitely not for beginners: no call card, and no staff to shepherd the lots. Fair warning: they don’t give you a renge spoon. The more I eat Jiro, the more I realize my first Jiro spot REALLY lay the karami on thick lmao. Everything seems mild compared to that. Definitely felt the pressure to keep the lots in order at this one lmao.
Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo at Teamlab Planets, MISO Ramen Vegan UZU style Limited: OK, have to confess as a Kansai resident that this is the first time I’ve had UZU. Definitely a fun bowl, loved the noodles, but the sun dried tomatoes was a bit too on the nose for me. I would have preferred a lighter, more subtle flavor for this style.
Ramenya Toybox, Special Shoyu Ramen: I kind of expected more of a line for this one. Saturday morning, lined up 20 minutes before open, was sat right as soon as the doors opened. Definitely a fun bowl, I do like how it’s less sweet than many shoyu these days. I probably should have gotten less toppings, I wanted to enjoy those noodles more. This place also LOVES its chicken oil lmao.
Iruka TOKYO, Shoyu Ramen: 10 minute wait on Saturday night. Definitely a memorable bowl. Loved the smokiness of the chashu. I didn’t like how the noodles started out almost barikata firmness when it got to me, but they ended up evening out over the course of the meal.
Ore no Ikiru Michi Tokyokeibajo branch, Oremichi Ramen: Ok, I definitely didn't go out of my way for this one. It was really just because I found it amusing that Tokyo Racecourse had a Jirokei (among other ramen shops). Line gets long around lunchtime, but the plus side is it’s open from 9 AM. Probably among the more reasonably sized Jiro-kei I’ve had, which is kind of a rip considering it’s still 1000yen when regular Jiro often goes for much less. Not a bad bowl to have to hype you up for the races though.
by eetsumkaus