All You Need to Know About Jiro-style Ramen
- Patia
- May 8, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2024
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
Jiro-style ramen (or Jiro-kei ramen) is a style of ramen that originated in Tokyo, Japan, and is gaining popularity for its hearty and indulgent qualities from people all over the world. Named after the famous ramen restaurant "Ramen Jiro," this style of ramen is characterized by its bold flavors, generous portions, and unique toppings.
Table of Contents
What is “Ramen Jiro”
Source : tripadvisor
Ramen Jiro Mita Honten is a legendary ramen restaurant in Tokyo, renowned for the originator of the Jiro-style ramen. Restaurants offering ramen similar to “Ramen Jiro”, founded by Takumi Yamada, are called “Jiro-style Ramen”, and have gained such cult-like popularity that there are now stores all over Japan.
The hallmark of Ramen Jiro is its emphasis on quantity and variety of toppings. When ordering at Ramen Jiro, customers can expect a mountainous bowl of ramen loaded with ingredients such as thick slices of pork belly (chashu), bean sprouts, cabbage, garlic, and often a generous dollop of raw garlic and lard. These toppings not only add texture and flavor but also contribute to the hearty and indulgent nature of the dish.
The broth at Ramen Jiro is typically thick and rich, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor from ingredients such as pork, cores of cabbage, garlic and backfat. Plus, this soup is seasoned with soy sauce. The result is a creamy, savory broth that clings to the noodles and provides a satisfying umami experience with each slurp.
In terms of noodles, Ramen Jiro usually offers thick, chewy noodles that are cooked al dente to maintain their texture and stand up to the hearty broth and toppings.
Compare to General Ramen and Jiro-style Ramen
Jiro-style ramen is of course technically ramen, but it is somewhat different from any other ramen. Here are the differences between general ramen and Jiro-style ramen restaurants in Japan.
How to Order
General Ramen
After sitting down, look at the menu and order directly from the waiter once you’ve made your decision.
Jiro-Style Ramen
Choose a Size and Buy a Ticket:
Start by purchasing a ticket from the vending machine. Choose your portion size:
小 (Sho - Small)
大 (Dai - Large)
Take a Seat & Present Your Ticket:
Seating procedures may vary depending on the location, so follow the staff's instructions. Place your ticket on the raised countertop in front of you so the staff can see it.
Request Toppings:
Just before your bowl arrives, the staff will ask, “Ninniku iremasuka?” (ニンニク入れますか？ - “Would you like garlic?”). This is also your chance to request additional toppings (explained below). Sometimes, they may instead ask, “Toppingu wa?” (トッピングは？ - “What toppings?”).
If you’re a beginner, these responses are easy and recommended:
“Sonomama” (そのまま - Just as is) or “Deforuto” (デフォルト - Default) if you don’t want garlic but want the standard amount of veggies and pork fat.
“Ninniku onegai shimasu” (ニンニクお願いします - Garlic, please) if you’d like garlic.
“Ninniku sukuname” (ニンニク少なめ - A little garlic) if you prefer just a small amount of garlic.
Portion of Noodles
General Ramen
Regular size: About 180g Medium size: About 300g Super size: About 400g
Jiro-style Ramen
Small size: About 300g Large size: About 400g~500g
Toppings
General Ramen
Toppings vary by restaurant and flavor, but the common ones include:
Thinly sliced pork chashu
A few seasoned bamboo shoots
A small amount of green onion
A boiled egg
Jiro-style Ramen
Jiro-style ramen typically comes with four basic toppings: garlic, vegetables, abura, and karame. While you can adjust the amount of each topping, all (except garlic) are included in the standard serving.
Garlic: Freshly chopped raw garlic. You must decide whether to include it or not.
Vegetables: A mix of boiled cabbage and bean sprouts, served in large quantities by default.
Abura: Seasoned pork back fat.
Karame: A soy-sauce-based tare (sauce) that makes the flavor stronger.
All toppings, except garlic, are already perfectly portioned. While it is possible to increase the amount of toppings, we recommend not adjusting them if you’re trying it for the first time. This way, you can enjoy its original taste.
YouTube: How to Order and Enjoy Ramen Jiro in Shinjuku
In this informative video by Nama Japan, you’ll get an insider’s guide to enjoying Ramen Jiro, one of Shinjuku’s most famous ramen spots. Known for its huge portions and rich flavors, Ramen Jiro is a must-try experience for any ramen lover visiting Tokyo.
This video covers the unique ordering process, which can be a bit complex for first-time visitors, ensuring you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to customize your bowl like a pro. Perfect for anyone looking to dive into Japan’s ramen culture!
Watch the video here: RAMEN JIRO in Shinjuku: Ramen with a Cult Following
Channel Name: Nama Japan
3 Best Jiro-style Ramen in Tokyo
Tokyo is home to several renowned ramen shops specializing in Jiro-style ramen. If you're a fan of hearty portions and bold flavors, these three locations are worth checking out! The following information is current as of May 2024, but hours and details are subject to change, so be sure to check the official websites for the latest updates.
The Ramen Small Ax
Source : tripadvisor
Located just a 2-minute walk from Oimachi Station, The Ramen Small Ax is perfect for Jiro-style beginners. Compared to other Jiro-style ramen spots, the noodle portion here is smaller, making it less intimidating for first-timers. The lightly oiled and well-seasoned chashu pork, abundant vegetables, and balanced broth create a flavorful yet approachable bowl of ramen that’s not overwhelming.
Hours Weekdays 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM *Close on weekends and national holidays
Map
Yojimbo Hongo
Source : tripadvisor
Just a 1-minute walk from Todaimae Station, Yojimbo Hongo is a welcoming spot with a comfortable atmosphere, even for women dining alone. The staff are friendly and helpful, making it ideal for first-time visitors. The noodles are thick, salty, and bold enough to complement the rich soup, while the fresh vegetables add a satisfying crunch. The tender chashu pork rounds out this excellent Jiro-style experience.
Hours 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Sundays 11:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Map
Ramen Jiro Kabukicho
Source : tripadvisor
Conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station, Ramen Jiro Kabukicho is a great stop for ramen lovers exploring the bustling Shinjuku area. Its bright yellow exterior and sign make it easy to spot. This shop is known for its bold soup, thick and chewy noodles, and generous servings of vegetables. The soup remains rich and flavorful without being diluted by the vegetable water, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
Hours 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM *Close on Wednesday
Map
Before You Go to a Jiro-Style Ramen Restaurant
Jiro-style ramen restaurants can be found all over Japan, but it is difficult to find one that offers an English menu, making it a big hurdle for foreign tourists who do not speak Japanese. Also, because of the unique rules, it is recommended to go with someone who is fluent in Japanese or on a ramen tour if you are going there for the first time. If you are going on a tour, please contact them in advance to let them know that you want to go to Jiro-style Ramen.
With multiple locations across Japan, Jiro-style ramen has become a must-try experience for ramen lovers. Whether it’s your first time or you’re already a fan, this unique ramen style offers a hearty and unforgettable meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Be sure to try it when you visit Japan!
Patia’s Jiro-style Ramen Making Class in Tokyo
We offer a unique Japanese cooking experience in Tokyo, including a Jiro-style ramen-making class with an English-speaking instructor. In this hands-on class, participants will visit a grocery store in Akihabara to shop for ingredients, then learn to make Jiro-style ramen from scratch and enjoy the delicious results. We hope you’ll not only learn how to make this iconic dish but also create unforgettable memories of Japanese food culture in Tokyo.
We share more behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Be sure to follow us and join in the Tokyo food adventure.
Check us out at @patiajapanesecooking
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our cooking classes, please feel free to reach out! We are here to help you create memorable culinary experiences during your stay in Japan.
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