Aoshima Ramen

We stumbled on this on day 1 and shocked to see a HUGE line so we attempted it another day. As the only foreigners here are some tips:

The shop opens at 11am but there was already a line at 1045am. But it moves fast and we ended up waiting for 30mins only. There is a vending machine where the only 4 options are (1) Aoshima ramen 180g noodle (2) Aoshima ramen 250g noodles (3) Charsiu ramen small (4) Charsiu ramen big. The first 2 options are shoyu soy sauce ramen which also has charsiu. So not sure what's the diff with the charsiu options.

Taste wise, noodles were so springy and soup has yummy pork taste! There is light greens as garnishing, so do add on extra seaweed or spinach if you like. Simple one to start your day with.

A nondescript ramen shop in the middle of deserted alleyways on Sunday. Found the place by chance as we were exploring Akihabara area after purchasing some electronics stuff at Yodobashi-Akiba mall. Saw the crowd and wondered what the fuss was about. We ended up waiting in line for approx. 1.5 hours.

We were the only foreigners, and nobody in the shop spoke English, so it was all down to hand-signs. It’s individual dining and you take any vacated seat (only 9 in total) at the counter when your turn comes. You sit down, get served your order, eat and then leave to vacate your seat for the next person waiting in line. We ended up sitting 5 places away from each other 😁

The texture of the ramen is springy and chewy, just the way I like it. Ordered their special, with a generous portion of chashu. The soup is clear and flavourful, of the soy-based kind. Very delicious 😋. Worth the wait, in my honest opinion.

Had a 10 hour our layover in Tokyo, decided to go to Akihabara for the day, and this was my early lunch stop! It was SO worth it!

This place opens at 11am and I decided to walk by here earlier after just wondering around for a bit and saw there was already around 10 people in mine at 10:15am! So I decided to stand in line. It was a smart play, since by the time they started letting people in, the line was already 60+ people deep! The shop is used to the lines here, and would bring out cones to handle the disciplined crowd of people patiently waiting to have a bowl of ramen.

I was able to enter in the second wave of people. When you get to the kiosk, you order what you want from the menu and pay (CASH ONLY!) and get a ticket. There is not an English menu so I ensured ahead of time on what I wanted. I opted for the base bowl, which is a Ginger Shoyu-based ramen, without an extra toppings since I knew I was going to eat again just a few hours later. Once you get a ticket, the people in the kitchen call out and ask to see your ticket, so they know what bowls they have to prepare for... now that's efficiency!

I sat on the bench inside for a few minutes and then was able to sit! Upon sitting, my bowl was right in front of me and boy, it was so good. After coming from a few hours flight from southeast Asia, this bowl hit the spot. The broth had so much flavor, the pork was solid, and I was thus able to ate everything and slurp all the broth!

I see why so many people wait here, this is a very good bowl! I will say if you come with a group, be prepared to take any available 1-seater spot. They are all about the quick turnaround here with the line of people, so essentially you are here for eating that bowl of ramen for 10 to 15 minutes and then be on your way. No frills, but all the taste!

Definitely would come back again!