En is a classic, though a bit far from central Tokyo. Their niboshi (dried sardines)-rich soup is a great take on a classic style.

Model Chrissy Teigen visited the establishment while in Tokyo and absolutely loved it too!

Where: Yokoyamacho 21-21, Hachioji-shi (closest subway station: Hachioji)
Opening hours: 11am-2pm, 5-7.30pm; closed on Wednesdays

Rage uses local game fowl for a heavier taste in their shoyu ramen.

Where: Shoan 3-37-22, Suginami-ku (closest subway station: Nishi-Ogikubo)
Opening hours: Weekdays 11am-3pm, 6-9pm; Weekends 11am-4pm; closed on Tuesdays

One of the best shio (salt) ramen dishes in Japan. The chef blends 6 different salts from the sea, mountains, and lakes for a perfect balance.

Where: Kanda-Izumicho 2-15, Chiyoda-ku (closest subway station: Akihabara)
Opening hours: 11.30am-3pm, 6-9pm; Wed 11.30am-3pm; closed Fri and Sun

An intense bowl, served tsukemen style (ramen eaten after dipping in a separate bowl of soup). The soup is heavy with pork and dried fish. There’s always a long line, but it’s worth the wait.

Where: Higashishinkoiwa 1-4-17, Katsushika-ku (closest subway station: Shin-Koiwa)
Opening hours: 11am-3pm, 6-8pm

This shop has become a sleeper hit with chefs from overseas. It’s not surprising as they have been one of the most popular back-alley shops in Tokyo for 10 years. The secret is clam in the soup, which gives it more umami.

Where: Hatagaya 2-47-12, Shibuya-ku (closest subway station: Hatagaya)

Classic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. Pork bones are boiled for many hours to create a thick, flavourful soup.

Where: Hitotsuya 2-14-6, Adachi-ku (closest subway station: Rokucho)
Opening hours: 6pm-4am

One of the few bowls in Tokyo that are 100 per cent chicken. Despite the fact that no pork is used, the broth is deeply flavourful.

Where: Nishi-Waseda 2-11-13, Shinjuku-ku (closest subway station: Nishi-Waseda)
Opening hours: 11.30am-3pm, 5.30-9pm; Sun 11.30am-5pm; closed Mon

Only open for a few hours each day, they shun media appearances and hype. Their rich niboshi-style broth can be a bit bitter to some, but it is one of the best ramen flavours for others.

Where: Nakajujo 3-16-15, Kita-ku (closest subway station: Higashi-Jujo)
Opening hours: 6-8.30pm; closed Mon and Thu

Pizza-inspired mazesoba (dry ramen). Despite sounding strange, everything in this bowl works wonderfully. Mix it all up and enjoy.

Where: Oi 1-41-1, Shinagawa-ku (closest subway station: Oimachi)

Pineapple-infused ramen. The soup has pineapple juice, the egg is soaked in pineapple, and pineapple chunks are a topping. The sweetness complements the soy sauce flavouring quite well, although it’s definitely not for everyone.

Where: Nishiogiminami 3-12- 1, Suginami-ku (closest subway station: Nishi Ogikubo)
Opening hours: 11am-9pm

They’ve opened a shop in New York, but the original is still a lot of fun. Everything on the menu is good, but the green curry ramen is the one to get. A little spicy, a little creamy, and a lot of umami aftertaste.

Where: Hanegi 1-4-18, Setagaya-ku (closest subway station: Shin-Daita)
Opening hours: Weekends 11.30am-3pm; daily 6pm-2am

Text and Photos: Brian Macduckston

Story originally published in Silver Kris

Additional Reporting Atika Lim