OK, I found the best ramen place ever! I’m staying in Ebisu for the next month and my apartment is right next to a famous ramen shop, according to my friend Kengo, called Ippudo. I was hungry late and although I’d prefer to eat something a bit healthier, I gave the ramen joint a try.
I had the Karaka-men (spicy ramen) and I was asked how spicy I would like it. I like to turn the heat up… but I was playing it safe and I went with medium. My brother and I learned the hard way that we should never challenge the cook. A few years ago while drinking a couple pitchers of beer and we ordered the kamikaze wings at Foxy’s on Treasure Island, Florida. We were being smart asses and we asked the cook why they weren’t as spicy as they were years ago. Big mistake. Our pride ate those wings… not us. And we paid for it.
Anyhow, I went with the medium heat and it was just right.
I had a draft beer which was super duper frosty. Perfecto! Not only was the food great, the atmosphere was really cool. I went back for more the night after this original post! There was a 10 minute wait at midnight on Saturday.
I had the Shiromaru (traditional pork ramen) which was spectacular! The noodles were cooked slightly al dente per my request.
I also had the ‘must eat’ recommended by Kengo – Mentaiko gohan (usually called “spicy cod roe,” but it’s actually spicy pollock eggs). I’m not a big fan of mentaiko but I had a beer to wash it down. If you like mentaiko then you’ll probably dig this dish. Next time I’m going for the gyoza instead.
If you are in the Ebisu area then I suggest giving Ippudo a try. It’s right on Meiji Dori just south of Ebisu Station.
Well, you convinced me to try it!
I’ll note this down, so when I’ll come to Tokyo I will look for it… :)
I couldn’t agree more Billy. I think that Ippudo is top notch. I wrote about my experience here:
http://www.loneleeplanet.com/2008/12/ippudo-ramen/
Jealous that you are living next door.
I’m going back to back…
I too am a big fan but the one in Chiba is only open for lunch :(
I too wrote about the experience and included it in my round up of cheap eats from Japan: http://www.nihonsun.com/2009/02/27/cheap-eats-in-japan/
@Shane -
Great write up and pictures. I’ve been slacking on the pics lately.
Billy
Fully agree – Ippudo rocks. The Ebisu branch was a favorite late-night hangout when I lived on that side of town. Ginza branch is OK too…
Ippudo is actually a place I’ve never been to, even though I’ve been in Tokyo for several years and love to do the ramen rounds. This post has me convinced that it’s time for me to stop avoiding the place.
Yeah, mentaiko is blarg. Can’t stand the stuff at all. Looks like a nice place; thanks for the tip!
@Jordan
I’ve tried mentaiko a million times and I think I hate it. I want to like it… but it’s just grody to the max.
Ippudo is ok…. The hours and location is what make it a favorite. The soup is nice, but personally I can’t stand Kyushu style noodles – thin. ラーメンじろ, which is another chain ramen shop, could easily be considered a favorite because you get a better tasting and more balanced ramen than ippudo.
Anyway, for those who come through Yokohama Station take the JR West Exit, head down in to the Diamond and turn right. You can see a long line for Ippudo. For those coming through Minato Mirai head over to Queens Square second floor. Ippudo.
I’ll check out Ramen Jiro and I’ll let you know how it compares to my new favorite ramen joint.
This place its ALL about the CHEESE RAMEN. So good. I do that ramen and a frosty beer after the gym on Fridays if I can miss the crowd.