Tomita Ramen is (according to the masses) the BEST Ramen in Japan, and therefore I guess the best ramen in the WORLD. It is so popular, that you have to get there at about 7am IF you want to get a seat, allthough they open at 11:00. There are people…
Tomita Ramen is (according to the masses) the BEST Ramen in Japan, and therefore I guess the best ramen in the WORLD. It is so popular, that you have to get there at about 7am IF you want to get a seat, allthough they open at 11:00. There are people lining up even before that. I went the day before this video and was told to come the next day at 7:00, so I did. Just to see what all the fuzz was about!
One important distinction, is that this is is not your typical ramen but a dipping-ramen, so called "chuko-soba" Ramen. You are not supposed to dump the bowl of noodles into the broth (not sure if it would fit).
There is a machine from where you order, and you can buy extra toppings, which I did (all this at 7am), then they will write on your ticket the time at which you are supposed to come back.
It is a very small place, only 10 people per "session" and the chef is a very stoic guy. Honestly I felt like Beatrix Kiddo asking for my katana to be made, LOL! the whole process is very stereotypically japanese (orderly, neat, precise) and trust me, they will not give you an inch for being a foreigner. If you come like me (the day before) at 12:00 they will barely open the door for you. Someone comes out and tells you quickly and concisely that you need to come back THE NEXT day at 7am, no ifs or buts. It doesn't matter if you are Elon Musk! They did make an effort to communicate in english, but be aware, the communication here is very basic and to-the-point. If you want to give props to the chef, or whatever, learn some japanese. I honestly kinda respect their vibe. They know how popular and sought-after they are.
My order was 2,300¥ approximately, and as you can see in the video, it includes egg, braised pork, and a couple of other lean-meat cuts. Good stuff! The noodles are really thick.
To find this place: Catch a train to "Matsudo" station (Joban Line) from Ueno Station or Nippori Station. Once you arrive, exit the train station and you will encounter a shopping area, there is a starbucks, walk past it, go down the stairs and then just walk about 2 minutes straight. On your right side you will encounter a business building (1 minute after the convenience store) and in that corner is Tomita Ramen. They have a logo with a carp fish on the window. Bamboo blinders closed.
Enjoy!
