Ikebukuro - Ramen battleground! I recommend 4 excellent ramen that I want to eat again and again!

Ikebukuro, the center of Tokyo's Toshima Ward, is known as a “ramen battleground,” a mecca for ramen lovers. Numerous unique ramen stores line the streets, each offering their own unique and creative creations. With new stores opening one after another, the charm of Ikebukuro ramen is that each time you visit, you will discover something new.

In this article, we have carefully selected four stores that we particularly recommend. Not only can you enjoy the exquisite balance of soup, noodles, and toppings at each store, but they all have an appeal that will make you want to visit again and again.

These are all spots that ramen lovers should visit at least once, so please take a look at them for reference.

1.Nishiki no Chuka Soba

Located a few minutes' walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, Nishikino Chinese Soba features a modern interpretation of the old-fashioned Chinese noodle flavor. The soup is a light and refreshing type based on chicken stock and seafood, and although it looks simple, it has a deep and delicious flavor. One sip and the natural sweetness and umami of the ingredients will fill your mouth, making you want to finish every last drop.

The noodles are thin and straight, designed to intertwine perfectly with the soup. Of particular note is the chashu pork topping, which is tender and juicy pork cooked at a low temperature, and once you try it, you will be hooked. The restaurant's interior has a relaxed and clean atmosphere, making it easy to visit even by yourself. Furthermore, the restaurant offers a set menu at lunch time, which offers good value for money.

At this restaurant, which has many repeat customers, you can feel the craftsman's attention to detail in each bowl of ramen served. We recommend this restaurant not only to those who like old-fashioned Chinese noodles, but also to those who enjoy ramen for the first time in Ikebukuro.

Nishiki no Chuka Soba

住所	1-13-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-6826-9424
営業時間	08:00-25:00
定休日	Monday
公式サイト	https://www.instagram.com/nishiki_no_chukasoba/

気になったら今すぐ予約へ

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2.Ramen Hayashida - Ikebukuro

Raamen Hayashida Ikebukuro Branch is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station, and is a famous restaurant known for its excellent chicken Hakuchu Ramen. The soup is a rich, concentrated chicken shiratsuyu (soup with concentrated flavor from carefully cooked chicken bones), characterized by its creamy mouthfeel. Combined with a special soy sauce sauce, the soup has a rich but not cloying flavor.

The noodles are medium-thin and straight, and have a sticky texture. They are a perfect match for the soup, and with each bite, the flavor of the soup and the wheatiness of the noodles come together in harmony. The special menu items are also topped with low-temperature-cooked chashu pork and aji-tama (seasoned eggs), each of which is of a high quality that can be satisfied as a stand-alone item.

The interior of the restaurant is modern in design, with counter seating at the center. The restaurant has a modern design with mainly counter seating, making it easy for a woman to come in alone, and is busy both on weekdays and weekends. The restaurant also has a meal ticket system, so even beginners can smoothly place their orders. The charm of “Hayashida” is that you can encounter new tastes every time you visit, as limited menu items are offered from time to time. For those who want to taste rich chicken shiratsuyu, this is a must-visit restaurant.

Ramen Hayashida - Ikebukuro

住所	Kawamata Building 1F, 1-40-10 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-6907-2260
営業時間	11:00-23:00
定休日	indeterminate rest period (e.g. from work)
公式サイト	https://www.ramenings.com/hayashida

気になったら今すぐ予約へ

Make a reservation at Tabelog

3.Karashibi Miso Ramen Onikinbo - Ikebukuro

Karashibi Miso Ramen Onikinbo Ikebukuro is a unique ramen restaurant that offers a unique bowl of spicy and numbing ramen. As the name suggests, the spiciness (kara) and the numbness (shibi) of the pepper can be adjusted, allowing customers to customize the exciting flavor to their liking.

The soup is rich and miso-based, with a heavy flavor of pork bones and chicken bones. The addition of spiciness and numbness provides a stimulating taste experience that one cannot forget once they try it. The noodles are thick and frizzy, and are designed to be well mixed with the soup. In addition, the toppings of seared pork and vegetables make this a hearty and satisfying bowl.

The restaurant has an energetic atmosphere with the energetic voices of the staff. The meal ticket system allows for smooth ordering, making it easy even for first-time visitors. Especially during the cold season, this ramen is popular for its ability to warm the body from the inside out. If you like spicy food or are looking for a stimulating ramen, this is a must-visit restaurant.

Karashibi Miso Ramen Onikinbo Ikebukuro

住所	1-13-14 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-5396-4202
営業時間	11:00-21:30
公式サイト	https://kikanbo.co.jp/

気になったら今すぐ予約へ

Make a reservation at Tabelog

4.Ginza Kagari Echika - Ikebukuro

Ginza Kagari Echika Ikebukuro is a ramen restaurant that is like a French restaurant, offering a sophisticated bowl of ramen that overturns the concept of ramen. Located inside Echika Ikebukuro, which is directly connected to Ikebukuro Station, the restaurant is easily accessible. The bright and clean interior is popular among female customers.

The signature item on the menu is “Chicken Shiratsuyu SOBA. The soup is rich yet mellow with concentrated chicken flavor, and the truffle oil served as an accent adds a luxurious touch. The noodles are thin and straight, and intertwine well with the soup, creating an elegant flavor.

Toppings include moist chicken chashu pork and colorful vegetables, creating a bowl of beauty and deliciousness. The rice dishes served as side dishes are also excellent and go perfectly with the ramen.

With its sophisticated atmosphere and creative ramen dishes, Ginza Kagari Echika Ikebukuro is recommended for those seeking a special bowl of ramen. This famous restaurant can be introduced with confidence to ramen beginners and tourists alike.

Ginza Kagari Echika Ikebukuro

住所	3-28-14 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Echika Ikebukuro
電話番号	03-3981-3808
営業時間	11:00-23:00
定休日	Same as Echika Ikebukuro

気になったら今すぐ予約へ

Make a reservation at Tabelog

Summay

Ikebukuro is truly a treasure trove of ramen, each with its own unique charms and specialties. The four restaurants introduced here, Nishikino Chinese Soba, Hayashida Ramen Ikebukuro, Karashibi Miso Ramen Onikinbo Ikebukuro, and Ginza Kagari Echika Ikebukuro, all offer exquisite ramen with different characteristics.

Each restaurant is full of charm that will make you want to visit again and again, and you will discover something new with each cup of sake. When you stop by Ikebukuro, please take a look at this article to find your favorite cup of ramen. Recommended not only for ramen lovers, but also for all those seeking new tastes！