The best bowls I had the privilege of eating

Hi all, I’m at the tail end of a working holiday in Japan and wanted to share my favourite bowls!

1.) Ramen Tontoro Kagoshima – pork-forward flavour, but for I occasionally think that Hakata and Tonkotsu ramen are too strong for my preference. The broth balance at Tontoro was perfect, and the kurobuta was to die for.

2.) Menya Seishin Ochiai – Super clean shoyu broth, nothing inoffensive but the star here is the hand rolled noodles. There are the three meats (chicken breast, pork belly and a chargrilled pork shoulder, which allow you to experience various meat textures in the context of the shoyu.

3.) Ramen Ikedaya Shimoochiai – a very violent Jiro ramen. Big portions of pork, sprouts and noodles in a umami broth. You will leave with the food coma, but no regrets.

4.) Ramen Afro Beats Shinjuku – the chicken paitain ramen has such a well thought out flavour pairing. The paprika adds a tiny bit of kick to slice through the umami notes. Worth the detour!

5.) Kawara Milk Miso Curry Ramen Aomori Airport – creamy, classic curry flavour which is softened by milk and butter. Something different and worth trying if you’re heading up that way!

6.) Mendoro Amakawa Kujo – one of the simplest noodle-forward shoyu bowls I’ve had. I could easily go here every day for the rest of my life.

7.) Okamoto Ramen Komazawa – anyone who loves a home style ramen will not go wrong with this bowl. It is oily, deep in flavour and the chashu is perfect.

There are more, so many more but these are the photos I could find first!

Be safe, and please enjoy your next bowl in good health