There are currently three Michelin Star Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo (each boasting one Michelin star). From delicately spicy tantanmen to barrel-aged shoyu ramen, each restaurant specializes in a decidedly different bowl. Not sure which one to visit? Or what to order when you're there? We've got you covered!
Consider this your complete guide to Tokyo's Michelin Star Ramen scene.
#1 Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta (蔦)
First there was Tsuta. In 2015, they were the first ever ramen restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. Owner and master chef Onishi-san blazed a Michelin trail that many have tried to follow. 2020 update: Tsuta no longer has a Michelin star.
Tsuta's Michelin Ramen
While Tsuta serves shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt) and miso ramen, the house specialty is SHOYU. It's what you should order. The shoyu from Wakayama is barrel-aged for two years and gently commands the delicious and complex ramen soup.
This soup includes chicken, vegetables, asari clam, kelp, niboshi dried fish and bonito fish flakes. Truffle oil is added on top but doesn't distract. In addition, fig compote contributes sweetness and balsamic vinegar some saltiness. Everything is as close to perfect as can be - including the homemade noodles and toppings. In short, Tsuta is definitely worth the hype.
If you want to splurge, there's the ¥3,550 shoyu ramen (#1 on the menu above). It includes black truffle, egg, and roasted chashu pork toppings. Honestly, the black truffle sheets are nice but not necessary. If you're on a tighter budget, the ¥1,300 basic shoyu ramen (#3 above) still ticks all the tasty boxes.
Shop Hours / When to Visit
At their new Yoyogi-Uehara location, Tsuta no longer has a ticket system (they previously assigned times for everyone to come back later). Now you simply line up and wait. Go either an hour before opening (10 am) or for a later lunch (after 2 pm) on a weekday.
They may reintroduce the ticket system in the future. But for now, just line up! Again, Tsuta is most certainly worth the wait. Full Review Here.
Shop Hours: 11 am ~ 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
#2 Nakiryu (創作麺工房 鳴龍)
Nakiryu was chosen next as a one star Tokyo Michelin ramen shop. This happened in 2017, just two years after Tsuta.