Ramen, a quintessential Japanese dish, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond its status as the most beloved noodle dish in Japan, ramen's allure lies not just in its flavors but also in the unique ambiance of the ramen shops dotted across Japan.
Typically, ramen broths are categorized into four primary types: Shio (salt), miso, soy sauce, and tonkotsu (pork bone). However, ramen continues to evolve and embrace influences like Chinese cuisine to create variants like spicy tantanmen. In this feature, we're focusing on a special kind of ramen that's perfect for those who prefer a lighter, less oily option: seafood ramen. Using fish and other seafood as its main broth ingredient, it's a delightful alternative for seafood lovers. Curious to know which Tokyo restaurants serve the best seafood ramen? Read on to find out.
Menya Musashi Kodo (麺屋武蔵 虎洞)
Menya Musashi Kodo, nestled near Tokyo's bustling Kichijoji Station since 2005, stands out for its innovative approach to ramen. This establishment, always bustling with patrons, specializes in a unique blend of fish and tonkotsu (pork bone) soup, offering a lighter alternative to traditional, heavier broths. The beauty of their ramen lies in its adaptability; diners can customize the richness of their soup, making it a hit across all ages and preferences.
The shop's signature dish is tsukemen, or dipped ramen, where customers can personalize their meal with a variety of toppings, including their renowned chashu (thin slices of braised pork). In a nod to its name, Kodo (虎洞), meaning "Tiger's Cave," the restaurant introduces an innovative twist: the "tiger tail" or pork sausage. This unique addition sets them apart, as ramen typically doesn't include such creative elements.
Their tonkotsu fish soup strikes a perfect balance of sweet and salty, appealing to those who shy away from thick, oily broths. The ability to adjust the soup's intensity ensures a satisfying experience for every palate.
Another reason for Menya Musashi Kodo's popularity is its generous servings of meat. Unlike typical ramen joints that offer modest meat portions, here you can indulge in soft, large slices of chashu, succulent fillings that burst with flavor, or tender stewed pork belly that melts in your mouth.
The restaurant's distinctiveness extends to its presentation; each dish is served on a plate adorned with a tiger pattern and tail. This delightful culinary adventure awaits at Menya Musashi Kodo, a must-visit for ramen aficionados in Tokyo.
Details
Opening hours: 11:00-22:30
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGB1EuF2pE8wQaXD7
Fuunji (風雲児)
Fuunji, located in the bustling streets of Shinjuku, is a celebrated ramen destination known for its perpetually long lines. The star of Fuunji's menu is its unique chicken soup ramen, enriched with a rich fish powder blend. While this type of broth is available in many eateries, Fuunji's rendition has garnered widespread acclaim, leading to the opening of multiple branches.
Their tsukemen, another popular item, features noodles of medium thickness and soft texture, perfect for savoring the depth of their meticulously crafted soup. The broth, a harmonious blend of chicken and fish soups, is stewed for a full day, creating a flavor profile deeply loved by many.
Every bowl is a symphony of tastes, enhanced by the addition of seasoned eggs, chashu, and seaweed. Each topping is carefully chosen to complement and elevate the rich, sweet, and creamy soup. What sets Fuunji apart is the sprinkling of fish powder atop the broth, adding an extra layer of richness and aroma. Remarkably, despite its thickness, the soup remains light and non-greasy, as it does not rely on pork or beef fat.
For those seeking a warm, comforting option, Fuunji also serves traditional ramen with their signature warm broth – a perfect choice for chilly weather. If you're a fan of tsukemen with a fish soup base and are looking for a distinctive and memorable dining experience, Fuunji is an unmissable stop. Offering exceptional quality at a price comparable to other establishments, it's easy to see why this spot is a favorite among locals.
Details
・Shinjuku
Opening hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8HC194Qd5XQXJVAy9
・Kichijoji
Opening hours: 11:00-23:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3yJzKvGP1CJ2cM9Y6
Clam & Bonito Raik
Clam & Bonito Raik, just 12 minutes from Shinjuku and a mere 2-minute stroll from Honancho Station on the Marunouchi Line, is a hidden gem that offers a delightful twist on traditional ramen with its clam soup base. This local eatery is a must-visit for seafood aficionados or anyone skeptical about the typical heaviness of ramen. The unique and delicious clam ramen here might just change your perception of this beloved dish.
In 2020, Clam & Bonito Raik was honored among the top 100 most delicious ramen shops on the Tabelog website, a testament to its exceptional quality. Although their instant noodles were once a hit in convenience stores, the true magic of their ramen can only be fully appreciated when savored fresh and hot at the restaurant.
Diners can choose between two clam-based soups: a shio (salt) or soy sauce variant. The shio version, in particular, has received rave reviews. Their ramen stands out with an array of unique toppings: tender chicken ham, soft chashu, sweet shallots that complement the clam soup wonderfully, sea urchin eggs adding a burst of ocean flavor, and seaweed that ties all the elements together.
The noodles are thin and light, making the dish less heavy and more appealing to those concerned about richness and portion size. Clam & Bonito Raik's ramen is a healthier alternative to traditional ramen, brimming with maritime flavors.
Seasonal vegetables garnish the dish, adding a fresh touch to each bowl. Whether you're a dedicated ramen enthusiast or a seafood lover, Clam & Bonito Raik is an essential stop on any Tokyo ramen tour, offering a unique and memorable culinary experience.
Details
Opening hours: 11:30-15:00 / 18:00-22:00
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dC2oQAsedRmFax5P6
Niboshimania
Concluding our Tokyo seafood ramen journey, we arrive at Niboshimania, a celebrated niboshi (dried fish) soup ramen shop conveniently located near Kamata Station, a mere 5-minute walk from the station and en route to Haneda Airport. Since its opening in September 2022, Niboshimania has quickly become a hotspot for ramen lovers, evident from the long queues of eager customers, ranging from local regulars to first-time visitors.
The shop operates with limited hours, often closing early once their signature soup is sold out, so arriving early is key for those eager to experience their renowned offerings.
The hallmark of Niboshimania is its rich, dark gray niboshi fish soup, perfectly paired with large, tender slices of chashu and onions, providing a flavorful accompaniment. The thin noodles are an ideal match for the aromatic, fish-based broth that impressively lacks any heaviness from animal fat, making it a favorite among a diverse range of patrons.
A unique aspect of dining at Niboshimania is the option of kaedama (extra noodles), a must-try given its flavorful variety. The flavors are seasonally inspired; during my visit, they featured a spicy mala and an oyster option, both of which were irresistible.
Traditionally, kaedama is ordered after finishing the original serving of noodles. At Niboshimania, however, there's an added twist. You can enjoy these extra noodles dry, as tsukemen (dipping noodles), or mixed into the existing soup, offering up to three distinct styles and flavors in one meal.
Niboshimania not only stands as a testament to the evolving nature of ramen but also offers a unique, fun, and flavorful experience with its rich fish soup ramen. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast or a curious foodie, this shop is a must-visit destination in Tokyo's vibrant culinary landscape.
Details
Opening hours: 11:00-15:30; Closed on Mondays
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxHo7tQc1LAwkM6h7
For a fresh take on traditional ramen, the seafood ramen options featured here are a must-try. These unique Tokyo establishments offer a new dimension to the beloved noodle dish, perfect for both ramen connoisseurs and novices alike.
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