博多一瑞亭

Great Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is tough to find in Tokyo, especially if you’ve had the stuff in Kyushu. Tokyo loses a bit of the vibe, and residents complain about the smell. So shops cut corners, or go out of business. Shops like Tanaka Shoten are great, but not so convenient.

When a native Japanese friend from Kyushu told me that his favorite spot in Tokyo is just down the road in Shinjuku, I had to go. Seven bowls of ramen please!

I was on one of my group tours, and we were hungry after the 15 minute walk from Shinjuku Station.

Solid. This bowl was on the rough side. I know some people like their tonkotsu ramen silky smooth and white, but I’ll take a flavorful bowl with bits of pork fat any day.