Ramen Nagi - Shibuya Tonkotsu

Okay, so here’s the deal: This was one of the best bowls of ramen I’ve ever had in my entire existence. Like, top-tier, life-altering noodle magic. It is right up there with Yoshimuraya in Yokohama which I also reviewed. We stumbled across it during a walk that started somewhere I can’t remember and ended somewhere else I can’t recall. Pretty sure we were on our way to Azabudai Hills. Anyway, we see this place. No idea it’s part of the Nagi Ramen family from Golden Gai—you know, the tiny ramen spot where the walls are basically marinated in umami. Like absolute geniuses, we waited outside at the single-person counter. Pro tip: if you're with someone, skip the awkward sidewalk loitering. There's a door to the right of the ticket machine. Just... go in. We ordered the Red King and the Black King ramen. And oh. my. tastebuds. The flavors were intense but perfectly balanced—like a symphony of spice, garlic, and whatever magical broth sorcery they conjured up back there. I still don't get why this place only has 3.9 stars. 3.9?! Come on, internet. This was easily five stars in my book. If you're in the neighborhood, it's a no-brainer. Heck, if you're going to Azabudai Hills, it's still a no-brainer. Just do it. Eat the ramen. Live your best noodle-filled life.

Everything you’ve come to expect for one of these small ramen shops. This place is made to come in, have a nice and cheap ramen and get out. If you’re alone you’ll be able to sit on a Stoll facing the cooks, but if you’re with your family or with a group of people, you’ll be seated at an area on the side with regular tables and chairs.

2 of these have opened up in Southern California but I have not had the opportunity to try. Being in Japan, we noticed we had one relatively near us and had to try it. I loved it. It was absolutely delicious. Broth was well developed. Spice was just about right. Noodle texture was al dente. Only thing I wish I had was the gyozas with the meal but they sold out earlier during the day.

With only a few hours to spare during a layover, I decided to take the train and find a ramen spot in Tokyo. Somehow, I ended up here. Call it fate, but this ended up being one of the best ramen bowls I’ve had! Maybe it was the whole experience, like ordering in advance at the machine outside and getting a ticket. Fumbling with new coins and bills that I was only just getting reacquainted with. There’s a slot for bills but not larger than ¥1,000 and coins. No plastic accepted here where cash is king. I got my ticket and entered the small ramen bar side (there’s a larger dining room via a different entrance). There were 5 or 6 seats. Once I handed my meal coupon over the the pretty cook behind the counter I was asked a bunch of questions in Japanese but had no idea, so she brought out an English info card which allowed me to choose the boldness of the sauce/broth, the doneness of the noodles, and the level of spice/heat. Once I made that choice it took less than 5 mins to get my order. I was here before the lunch rush so there was no one else. I had the option with pork and let me tell you, the portion was more than enough! I could see how this is such a great lunch option. Healthy broth, protein and carbs. I mixed all the ingredients together (the toppings are all kind of separated when you get it). It’s customary to slurp your noodles in Japan. So slurp away… it tastes better that way, they say. Flavours were amazing. Level 3 spice was a little too hot for me so be aware when choosing your heat level. Everything was perfect, the setting, the cute cook, the taste and the price. A great simple joy!

Second visit. Best ramen in Tokyo. You order the noodle outside via ticket and then pick your flavouring once seated inside. Can choose noodle firmness. Level of spice, level of garlic and level of soup base flavouring. Normal for soup base is good as extra heavy is quite salty.

My fave late dinner go-to place. Easy, convenient, and filling!

Very very tasty ramen at very moderate prices (especially for Shibuya). You buy what you want at a vending machine, get seated and then choose how spicy you want it, how much garlic you want, how hard you want the noodles, etc. If you know ichiran you know what to eat expect.

Place is pretty. Slightly better then ichiran, but considering you'd get to avoid a line it's a better option. I tried both the regular pork base and squid ink ramen. Both are equally good in its own way, but if you only have the stomach to eat only one I'd go with the squid ink. I went with the 970 yen option cause it included egg. After buying ticket, your asked how it's to be made per a white card, so In the photo below just choose all the pre chosen red circle which are the standard, except for the first circle. You want the second option next to it which is black squid ink. Use Google translate camera mode or type to request black squid ink if language challenged.