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 Star Worthy - Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu (Soba House 金色不如帰)
These guys have a Michelin star. You can understand why - 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)
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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)
I hope you enjoyed this best 5 Tokyo shio ramen list. Now get out there and eat!