Tokyo Shio Ramen - Best 5
Updated: Sep 25
Best 5 Tokyo Shio Ramen
Consider these the very best Tokyo shio ramen shops. Among ramen styles, shio (salt-seasoned) is one of the hardest to get right. But these 5 shops get it deliciously right.
As per usual, we're excluding any ramen shops we work with (Tokyo Ramen Tours)!
1. Michelin Worthy - Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu (Soba House 金色不如帰)
These guys held a Michelin star until the 2024 restructuring, when all of Tokyo's starred ramen shops moved to Bib Gourmand status instead — you can understand why they made the cut either way. Their shio ramen is a stunning symphony of flavors. Its salt seasoning carries a clam and sea bream soup.
But there are little pockets of black truffle oil, French porcini mushroom oil, and Inca berry jam to enjoy too. This is as close to ramen fine dining as you can get.
Shop Hours: 11 am ~ 3 pm / 6:30 pm ~ 9:30 pm (closed on Weekends)
2. Flavors of the Sea - Seijo Seika (成城青果)
Seijo Seika is a relative newcomer to the Tokyo ramen scene. But they are definitely here to stay. How might we describe their clear, fish-based ramen? Complex simplicity.
On the surface, their shio ramen looks simple. But it's bursting with refined flavors of the sea, including kelp and dried fish. Do be careful though - the soup is piping hot!
Shop Hours: 11 am ~ 3 pm / 5 pm ~ 8 pm (open every day)
3. Punchy yet Soft - Nijubun no Ichi (にじゅうぶんのいち)
Although a bit out of the way, this spot is totally worth the trek. Njibun no Ichi's shio ramen manages to carefully hover between being punchy and delicate.
3 types of seaweed salt hold up a soup that has a radiant chicken flavor. Additionally, there are subtle hints of fish. Among toppings, the slices of duck are especially tasty.
Shop Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri:11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm / 6:30 pm ~ 9 pm / Weekends: 11 am ~ 3 pm (closed on Mon, Thu, national holidays)
Exploring more of Tokyo's shio ramen scene? Our Tokyo Ramen Guidebook covers 100 of the city's best shops.
4. A Citrusy Work of Art - IRUCA
Ramen shop IRCUA might have the longest list of ingredients here. The seasoning is 10 different types of salt, flying fish, and other dried fish (niboshi).
The soup is equally impressive, with multiple types of chicken and fish. But what's most unique is how they harmoniously incorporate sweet yuzu (a citrus fruit) into the soup.
Shop Hours: 11 am ~ 3 pm / 6 pm ~ 8 pm (just 11 am ~ 3 pm on Sun, closed on Mon)
5. Bright Chicken Ramen - Menya Syo (麺屋 翔)
Menya Syo is the most conveniently located on this list (Tokyo's Shinjuku area). Their shio ramen includes 4 types of salt, including from Mongolia and France.
These 4 salts carry a chicken-leaning soup that's deeply flavorful. Everything else is excellent, from the chicken and pork chashu to the properly firm noodles.
Shop Hours: 11 am ~ 3 pm / 6 pm ~ 10 pm (5 pm ~ 9 pm on Weekends, open every day)
We hope you enjoyed this best 5 Tokyo shio ramen list. Now get out there and eat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes shio ramen harder to get right than other styles?
Shio broth is usually clear and light, which means there's nowhere for a shop to hide a weak ingredient or an unbalanced broth — every element has to be carefully considered, unlike richer styles like tonkotsu that can mask imperfections.
What is yuzu shio ramen?
It's a shio ramen variation that incorporates yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, into the broth for a bright, aromatic twist — IRUCA's version on this list is a good example, built alongside a broth of multiple chickens, fish, and ten types of salt.
Does Konjiki Hototogisu still hold a Michelin star?
No. Like the rest of Tokyo's formerly Michelin-starred ramen shops, it moved to Bib Gourmand status following Michelin's 2024 restructuring — the ramen itself hasn't changed.
Is shio ramen a good starting point for someone new to ramen?
Yes. Its lighter, cleaner flavor profile makes it an approachable entry point compared to heavier styles like tonkotsu or miso, while still offering real depth and complexity.
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