Author: Ashleigh Thia

1. Ichiran Ramen

Image credit: Ichiran Ramen

This well-known ramen franchise has hundreds of branches worldwide, and it's not surprising why people talk about it whenever they think of what to eat in Japan – because their ramen is just that delicious.

Image credit: Ichiran Ramen

A must-visit ramen restaurant in Japan, Ichiran Ramen has a unique concept of "solo-eating" where you sit in a booth with two walls between you and the next person to enjoy your bowl of ramen in solidarity.

What's pretty cool is that you customise your ramen according to your preferences by circling them on a piece of paper, purchase your desired ramen using a kiosk, and when you're ready to order, press a button on the table that will summon the servers to collect your paper. Oh, did we mention that you don't get to see the person serving you? Well, now you know.

Image credit: Ichiran Ramen

The pork broth coats the ramen so well that every mouthful brings bliss and happiness to your soul. Keeping in mind the amount of toppings you can add, order an extra bowl of noodles if you have extra soup. Every bowl of ramen from Ichiran is worth it, guaranteed.

Image credit: Ichiran Ramen

Google the nearest Ichiran Ramen restaurant and make your way there!

Official website: Ichiran Ramen 一蘭天然とんこつラーメン專門店

2. Nakiryu

Image credit: Live Japan

This Michelin-star ramen restaurant has lived up to its expectations in delivering possibly the most delicious ramen out there in the world.

Be prepared to wait up to approximately two hours during peak times just to have that one bowl of ramen – but the wait is worth it, according to its multiple customer reviews. Nakiryu's rendition of the signature noodle dish is simple, but the attack of flavours on your taste buds will leave you wanting for more.

Image credit: Live Japan

One of the most recommended dishes in Nakiryu is their special shoyu ramen. Abundant ingredients such as chashu, shrimp wanton, bamboo shoots, green onion, and a half-boiled egg will make you feel as though you're in food heaven. How can something as simple as soy sauce ramen give such an exquisite and unforgettable taste?

Image credit: Live Japan

Another dish from Nakiryu that is highly recommended is their tantanmen. The firm noodles and pungent soup make such a delicious combination that it's no wonder it leaves behind such great memories for those who have tried it.

Just a 5-minute walk away from Otsuka Station, make sure to stop by and have a taste for yourself.

Address: Nakiryu 創作麺工房 鳴龍, 2-34-10, Minamiohtsuka, Toyoshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0005, Japan

Nearest Station: JR Otsuka Station, 5 minutes on foot

Phone Number: (+81) 03 6304 1811

Hours: 11:30AM - 3:00PM, 6:00PM - 9:00PM from Wednesdays - Sundays, 11:30AM - 3:00PM on Mondays, closed on Tuesdays

They do not accept reservations and credit cards.

3. Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama

Image credit: Cup Noodles Museum

Learn the history of Momofuku Ando, the creator of the world's first instant ramen in Cup Noodles Museum as it takes you through the history of ramen and how it came to be one of Japan's most significant food symbols.

Image credit: Cup Noodles Museum

Learn how the original Chinese noodle dish integrated into Japanese food culture as you walk through interesting exhibits that introduce and educate visitors with facts and interaction. If you don't understand Japanese, don't worry as they have English guides available too.

Image credit: Cup Noodles Museum

After all that walking, make your way to the best part of the museum – creating your own ramen! Buy a ramen noodle cup and design it using the available markers and pens before you move on to customise your very own cup noodle flavour. Get creative! Once you're done, watch your cup noodle get wrapped, then you can bring home your very own cup noodle!

Image credit: Cup Noodles Museum

If you're hungry, there is a section in the museum called the Noodles Bazaar that serves noodle dishes from all over the world – Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, China, Indonesia – come taste a bit of everything!

Address: Cup Noodles Museum 安藤百福発明記念館, 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-City, 222-0033, Japan

Nearest Station: Shinyokohama Station, 10 minutes on foot

Phone number: +81 04 5471 0503

Hours: 11:00AM - 10:00PM daily, 10:30AM - 10:00PM on Sundays and holidays, irregular maintenance days off

Admission: 310 yen (adults, 13 years and above), 100 yen (child from 6-12 years and seniors over 60 years), Free (6 years and younger)

Group of 15 or more: Adult 260 yen, Child and Seniors 50 yen

Official website: Shinyokohama Raumen Museum

4. Menya Ittou @ Shin-koiwa

Image credit: Ramen Beast

Opened in 2010, Menya Ittou rose to fame after being named as one of Tokyo's best gourmet ramen restaurants in the capital. According to Ramen Beast, the master, Yukihiko Sakamoto, now has five shops in the Koiwa area, all serving different menus and specialties, and three restaurants in Singapore and Thailand.

Image credit: Favy Japan

The most recommended ramen dishes are the tsukemen and ramen. Slurp down the rich broth that coats the ramen noodles splendidly and chew on the best cuts of chicken and pork chashu. There are also minced chicken balls which add a nice texture to the dish.

Image credit: Tabelog

Absolutely heavenly, it is not a place to be missed by ramen enthusiasts.

Address: Menya Ittou 麺屋一燈, 1-4-17 Higashi Shin-Koiwa, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo

Nearest Station: Shin-Koiwa station, 3 minutes on foot

Phone number: +81 03 3697 9787

Hours: 11:00AM - 3:00PM, 18:00 - 10:00PM daily

5. Toripaitan Kageyama

Image credit: Live Japan

The combination of chicken broth and ramen is proven to be a winner, especially in this ramen restaurant. Toripaitan Kageyama specialises in tori paitan, a white, thick soup with chicken. Adding ramen to this rich, savoury soup makes it a popular item among locals and tourists alike.

Image credit: Live Japan

Although immensely rich, the broth has a refreshing aftertaste, making you crave for more. The chewy and firm ramen noodles brings a nice texture to it when eaten with steamed chicken, fried negi (green onions), a half-boiled egg, and red leaf lettuce.

Image credit: Live Japan

Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the ramen creates a nice, refreshing twist to the broth. If you have extra soup after finishing the noodles, don't waste it – add some free rice to go with it and be prepared for the potential food coma at the end of your delicious meal.

Address: Toripaitan Kageyama 鶏白湯麺 蔭山, 1-4-18 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, 169-0075 Tokyo

Nearest Station: JR Takadanobaba Station, 6 minutes on foot

Phone Number: +81 03 6457 3160

Hours: 11:00AM - 11:30PM daily, 11:00AM - 10:30PM on Sundays and national holidays, closed irregularly

They do not accept reservations and credit cards.

6. Mendokoro Haru

Image credit: Live Japan

Mendokoro Haru's "special soba" dish is one of the items that boosted this restaurant's popularity among ramen maniacs. The rich and thick soy sauce ramen topped with generous and flavourful slices of chashu pork is what made the "special soba" so iconic in the first place.

Image credit: Live Japan

Firm but thin noodles soak up the rich dashi and shoyu broth incredibly well. Refill your noodles for a mere 200 yen and continue to be amazed at how delicious the ramen dish is.

Image credit: Live Japan

If you're in the mood for a savoury brunch or dinner, pop into Mendokoro Haru right when they open or in the evenings for a calmer environment before it gets packed with other hungry customers seeking the delicious ramen.

Address: Mendokoro Haru 麺処 晴, 1-11-7, Shitaya, Taitou-ku, 110-0004 Tokyo

Nearest Station: Iriya Station (Hibiya Line), 1 minute on foot

Phone Number: +81 03 3847 8553

Hours: 11:00AM - 3:00PM, 6:00PM - 9:00PM on weekdays, 11:00AM - 5:00PM on weekends and national holidays, closed irregularly

They do not accept reservations and credit cards.

Image Sources: Live Japan , Favy Japan , Cup Noodles Museum , Ichiran Ramen