Ramen is a staple part of Japanese food culture, and one of the nation’s most popular and well-known dishes. It consists of noodles and a variety of toppings, which are traditionally served in a broth made using soy sauce, miso, or tonkotsu (pork bone) as a base. These days however, modern Tokyo ramen shops are mixing things up with some interesting combinations and exciting new flavors.
In this video, we join host Shizuka Anderson as she samples four unique ramen dishes that use unexpected ingredients to add a dash of creativity to a classic meal – including a very rare bowl of blue ramen!
3 Unique Ramen Shops in Tokyo
Here are three Tokyo ramen shops serving some of the most inventive bowls in the city!
- Rinsuzu Shokudo
- Tsukumo Ramen
- Kipposhi
1. Rinsuzu Shokudo
Shizuka begins her ramen exploration at Rinsuzu Shokudo, where she samples their famous lemon ramen and toriten chicken tempura side dish. The ramen arrives covered in a layer of refreshing lemon slices, which the chef recommends you remove before you tuck in to ensure that the broth doesn’t get too bitter.
The lemons add a wonderful zing to the ramen without being too sour, whilst the juicy toriten can be dipped into the noodles for extra flavor. Check out the video to discover the story behind this truly unique combination!
2. Tsukumo Ramen
Next up on the itinerary is Tsukumo Ramen, which serves a unique cheese ramen dish. The shop uses gouda cheese sourced from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, which is kept frozen before being shaved and added to the noodles.
Once mixed in with the hot tonkotsu and miso-based broth the cheese becomes wonderfully melty and gooey to create a rich and creamy dish that’s sure to warm your soul.
3. Kipposhi
The final stop is Kipposhi, where Shizuka tries not one but two unusual ramen offerings.
First up is peach ramen, which uses a chicken broth base but is topped with peach slices to create a lovely summer vibe, with a deliciously fruity aroma that you don’t often find in ramen.
It’s the last bowl which is the real showstopper though: the highly anticipated Kipposhi blue ramen!
This ramen dish grabs your attention immediately with its bright blue chicken broth, highlighted by the stark contrast with the white of the bowl and other ingredients. The noodles also soak up the color to become a gorgeous blue-green reminiscent of the ocean, as do the egg and tender slices of chicken, while the flavor itself is light and refreshing.
And the ingredients behind the amazing blue color? A highly-guarded secret!
Join a tasting tour of other creative ramen shops in Tokyo!
Want to try some of the most unique ramen dishes in Japan for yourself? Join the Craziest Ramen in Tokyo Ramen Hopping Adventure!
This Tokyo ramen tour will take you to two of the most creative ramen restaurants in the city’s lively Shinjuku district, stopping at all the famous landmarks and also some hidden gems along the way. You’ll get to try unique and delicious ramen dishes such as matcha green tea ramen and a new type of mixed ramen, plus learn all about Japanese food culture at the same time!
