6 Popular Types of Ramen & 4 Best Ramen Tasting Tours in Tokyo
Updated: Oct 7
Ramen, the quintessential Japanese comfort food, has captivated the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its humble beginnings as a simple noodle dish have evolved into a culinary phenomenon, with diverse regional variations and styles that showcase the depth of Japanese cuisine. From the rich, pork-based tonkotsu to the delicate and clear shoyu broth, each type of ramen tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local ingredients. First of all, learn about the 6 most popular types of ramen in this blog and further your knowledge of Japanese culture. In addition, here are 4 ramen tasting tours to help you enjoy ramen while sightseeing in Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the charm of ramen!
Table of Contents
6 Popular Types of Ramen
Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu, or soy sauce, ramen originated in Tokyo and is characterized by its clear broth seasoned with soy sauce. The broth is typically made from chicken or a combination of chicken and dashi (fish stock), imparting a light and umami-rich flavor. Shoyu ramen is often garnished with bamboo shoots, nori (seaweed), sliced green onions, and tender slices of roasted pork.
Tonkotsu Ramen
Hailing from Fukuoka in southern Japan, tonkotsu ramen is renowned for its creamy, pork bone broth. Boiled for hours to extract maximum flavor, the broth is rich, savory, and often accompanied by thin noodles, tender slices of chashu pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
Miso Ramen
Hailing from Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, miso ramen features a robust broth flavored with fermented soybean paste, or miso. This hearty and warming soup often incorporates butter, corn, and hearty vegetables like cabbage and bean sprouts. The miso adds depth and complexity to the broth, creating a comforting bowl of noodles that's perfect for chilly winter nights.
Shio Ramen
Shio, meaning salt in Japanese, ramen is known for its clear and light broth seasoned with salt. Originating from Hakodate, a port city in Hokkaido, shio ramen allows the natural flavors of the broth to shine through. Typically made with a combination of chicken, seafood, and vegetables, this delicate soup is served with thin noodles, tender slices of meat, and an assortment of fresh vegetables for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Abura Soba
Translating to "oil noodles," abura soba is a unique style of ramen where the noodles are served without broth, tossed in a flavorful soy-sauce seasoned with sesame oil . Originating from Tokyo, this indulgent dish is topped with a variety of ingredients such as chashu pork, green onions, nori, and a seasoned egg. The absence of broth allows the flavors of the sauce and toppings to shine, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
Jiro-style Ramen
This 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.
Each type of Japanese ramen offers a distinct culinary experience, reflecting the diverse flavors and regional influences of Japan. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of tonkotsu, the delicate simplicity of shoyu, or the bold flavors of miso, there's a bowl of ramen to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you find yourself craving a comforting and soul-warming meal, embark on a culinary journey through the world of Japanese ramen and discover the endless possibilities of this beloved dish.
4 Best Ramen Tasting Tours in Tokyo
This is an introduction to guided tours in English where you can enjoy ramen in Tokyo sightseeing. From tours where you appreciate the delicacy of various types of ramen to tasting ramen while feeling the good old days of Japan, all of these tours will allow you to learn about Japanese culture through the ramen experience.
Tokyo: Ramen Tasting Tour with 6 Mini Bowls of Ramen (By Tokyo Ramen Tours)
Source: Get Your Guide
You will visit three different areas of Tokyo, including Shibuya, and taste 6 completely different types of mini ramen at 3 different ramen restaurants. The mini bowls are about 1/4 the size of a ramen bowl, allowing you to try a variety of different types of ramen during the tour. In addition, you will learn more about ramen, from its history to how it is prepared. This tour involves quite a bit of walking (about 3 km or 1.86 miles), so it is recommended for those who are physically fit and want to enjoy a lot of ramen while also getting some exercise.
Duration 3 hours
Price From 17,500 JPY per person
Shibuya: 2-Hour Vegan & Vegetarian Ramen Tour (By Tokyo Ramen Tours)
Source: Get Your Guide
This tour offers 4 types of plant-based ramen that can be enjoyed by vegetarians. This tour is also suitable for non-vegan participants, as each ramen comes with a choice of vegan or non-vegan broth. In addition, you will learn about ramen culture from a local ramen expert.
Duration 2 hours
Price From 13,800 JPY per person
Shinjuku: Golden Gai Food Tour (By Arigato Travel K.K.)
Source: Get Your Guide
Shinjuku Golden Gai is one of Tokyo's most popular spots for unique tavern, bar, and pub nightlife. On this tour, you can enjoy the atmosphere of 1950s Japan while enjoying drinks, sushi, yakitori (grilled meat skewers), and a bowl of delicious ramen.
You will be able to dine with the locals at most of the restaurants, giving you a culture of the real Japan.
Duration 3 hours
Price From 23,800 JPY per person
Breakfast Ramen Tour in Shinjuku, Tokyo (By Tokyo Ramen Tours)
Source: Get Your Guide
This tour will visit 2 ramen stores in Shinjuku early in the morning. At a nearby coffee shop, you will first learn the basics of ramen and take a quiz on your ramen knowledge. Then, you will visit the actual ramen stores and enjoy 3 mini ramen bowls, a mini bowl of rice, and gyoza (dumplings). Learn about ramen from an expert ramen guide and spend the morning exploring the vibrant Tokyo neighborhood of Shinjuku.
Duration 2 hours
Price From 13,800 JPY per person
Ramen is a culinary marvel that continues to captivate and inspire food enthusiasts around the world. From the classic simplicity of shoyu ramen to the indulgent richness of tonkotsu ramen, each style offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned ramen aficionado or a curious newcomer, there's a bowl of ramen out there waiting to delight your senses and transport you to culinary bliss. When you come to Japan, be sure to enjoy the many different types of ramen.
Patia’s Jiro-style Ramen Making Class in Tokyo
We run Japanese cooking classes in Tokyo. We also offer a Jiro-style Ramen making class with an English-speaking instructor. In this class, participants can go to a supermarket in Akihabara to buy ingredients, make Jiro-style ramen from scratch, and eat it. We are hoping you to enjoy Japanese food experiences and create unforgettable memories in Tokyo.
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