Ippudo Takadanobaba

This Ippudo became a regular (read: almost daily) fixture in my schedule during my semester abroad in Japan. At the time the lunch set (a bowl of ramen, five gyoza and a bowl of rice that they would fill forever) cost about 700 yen and would fill you up for the better part of the day.
Perhaps my favorite part was the spicy bean sprouts that appeared on the tables as it got cooler. I have never seen them in the NYC outposts though I try to mention them to the staff when I go as something that should be added. Adding those to the karaka-​men was a truly warming experience.
I love this place and cannot wait to return.

When I came to Tokyo as an exchange student, I was told that this was the place for Ramen. I wasn’t let down. Their Shiro-​Maru Classic is the best ramen I’ve ever eaten, both in Japan and in the US. I recently came back to Japan with my husband, and went out of my way to go to this particular one (it’s a chain). Despite it being a chain, it doesn’t fail to feel unique. The chefs will greet you as you enter, and thank you as you leave. It’s communal table style, which is fun when you’re with friends. Their rooiboos tea is so refreshing, and this time around they were selling their own branded rooibos that I bought.
Lunch special is great, which they don’t have at their NY store. For 100 yen you can get rice and delicious gyoza. A great deal.

Here it is. The first ramen place I ever ate at in Japan and I can only hope it would be my last as well. The word «epic» doesn’t even begin to describe the flavor at this legendary establishment. Nothing comes close. Nothing. The broth, the meat, the vegetables, the mushroom, the SAUWS. It all comes together in perfect harmony like a fluffy kitten riding on a Dragonball nimbus cloud over the double rainbow all the way across the sky. See the film «Tanpopo» for details. The hype is real. There is no spoon. The cake is a lie.

My first meal in Japan by total accident (or was it fate?) and it was magical… After visiting many ramen shops all throughout Japan, I have decided that Ippudo is my absolute favorite.
Ippudo has four flavors of ramen:
Akamaru Kasane-​aji (Pork ramen original)
Shiromaru Moto-​aji (Pork ramen traditional)
Karaka-​men (Pork ramen spicy)
Kiwami Shin-​aji (Four flavors in one bowl)
My favorites are Shiromaru and Akamaru. One of the best things about Ippudo is their amazing lunch special. For just 100 yen more, you can get 5 delicious bite-​sized dumplings and unlimited rice.
Which brings me to discuss their gyouza. After sampling dumplings all over Japan, I must say that Ippudo is at the top of my list of best dumplings. While Namjatown Gyouza Stadium naturally has the best selection, it’s not very accessible. However, with Ippudo chains all over Japan, their perfect dumplings are available to all, any time and any place.
They serve mugicha tea instead of water here and it’s great. Another amazing part of the experience is the spicy moyashi (bean sprouts) located right on the communal table.
This location will always be dear to me and it’s so homey and welcoming. This is the real Ippudo and not the fake one in New York City. A must stop in Japan!