Ramen
"Ramen is Tokyo's soul food: wheat noodles in rich broth (shoyu soy sauce, miso, tonkotsu pork bone, or shio salt) with toppings like chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, nori, and green onions. It's fast, cheap (¥800-1,200), and consumed solo at counters. Slurping is encouraged—it cools the noodles and enhances flavor by aerating the broth. Most shops require ordering via ticket vending machines before sitting."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Comforting, intense
Duration
15-20 minutes
Best For
Quick meals
The Backstory
Ramen arrived from China in the late 1800s but became distinctly Japanese post-WWII when cheap wheat flour was abundant. Tokyo-style ramen features shoyu (soy sauce) broth with curly noodles. By the 1980s-90s, ramen became an art form with regional styles competing. Now Tokyo has 5,000+ ramen shops.
Local Secret
"Order from the ticket vending machine before entering (English menus are rare—look for pictures). Choose your noodle firmness (katame = firm). Slurp loudly—it's proper technique and shows appreciation. Eat quickly while hot; lingering is discouraged. Many shops are cash-only. Try tsukemen (dipping ramen) for thicker noodles and concentrated broth."