Japan is famous for its ramen, and one of its most unique and daring varieties is Jiro-style ramen (also known as Jirōke ramen). Known for its large portions, rich flavors, and a devoted following, Jiro-style ramen is not your typical bowl of noodles. This article will guide you through the experience of eating Jiro-style ramen, offering a taste of its distinctive characteristics and tips for the adventurous foodie.
What is Jiro-style Ramen?
Jiro-style ramen originated at a ramen shop called Ramen Jiro in Tokyo, founded by the late Yamada Takajiro in the 1960s. What sets Jiro-style ramen apart from other ramen varieties is its huge portion size, thick, chewy noodles, and an intensely savory broth made with pork fat. The toppings are also far from conventional—think piles of garlic, bean sprouts, and a generous layer of pork belly slices.
The Bold Flavors
The broth of Jiro-style ramen is rich and fatty, made by simmering pork bones for hours. This results in a thick, hearty soup that is deeply savory. The noodles are thick and chewy, making them perfect for soaking up the rich broth. As for the toppings, they’re incredibly hearty: tons of garlic, bean sprouts, and chashu pork (braised pork belly). Some shops also add extra condiments like kuro miso (black miso) for added depth and richness.
What to Expect When You Order
If you’re used to smaller, lighter bowls of ramen, you may be in for a shock when you order Jiro-style ramen. Here’s what you’ll likely experience:
- Huge Portions: Jiro-style ramen is notorious for its large serving size. Many customers opt to ask for smaller portions (known as small or mini), but it’s still quite filling.
- “Toppings to the Max”: The amount of garlic and bean sprouts can be overwhelming for first-timers. Be prepared for a strong, garlicky flavor that lingers long after the meal is finished.
- The “Jiro Experience”: Ordering Jiro-style ramen is an experience in itself. When you place your order, you’ll often be asked if you want extra garlic or toppings. The choice is yours, but be careful—too much garlic might leave your breath quite potent!
Jiro Etiquette
Respect the Culture: Jiro-style ramen shops are often small, no-frills places where locals come for a satisfying, no-hassle meal. Eating quickly is the norm, as Jiro fans often don’t linger after finishing.Also, there are wet cloths on the tables, so you can use them to wipe the table clean after your meal. This is to increase turnover and is a part of the Jiro culture, with consideration for other people waiting in line.
Topping Customization: After handing over your meal ticket and taking a seat, the waiter will ask you if you would like any toppings just before your ramen is ready. If it’s your first time, answer “ninniku.yasai sukuname abura.” This is a call to add garlic, less vegetables, and flavored back fat.
Brace Yourself: Since the servings are massive, consider sharing if you’re with friends or ordering a smaller portion if you’re new to the experience.
Where to Try Jiro-style Ramen
If you want to experience this ramen phenomenon, Tokyo and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most well-known Jiro restaurants, but the Jiro franchise has expanded and now has around 800 locations across Japan. The most important thing to note here is that Ramen Jiro’s direct branches and Jiro-style ramen are completely different. Of course, Jiro is tastier, but it has its own rules and culture, so even Japanese people may feel nervous. If it’s your first time, we recommend going to a Jiro-style ramen shop.
Some of the most well-known places where you can get a taste of Jiro ramen include:
- Ramen Jiro (Meguro, Tokyo) – The original Jiro-style ramen shop.There are several Ramen Jiro restaurants in Tokyo, so if you have experience with Jiro-style ramen and are confident in your abilities, you might want to give it a try.
- Buta Yama (Tokyo) – Another popular Jiro-style ramen shop,Butayama, a popular Jiro-style ramen restaurant, also offers a similar taste to Jiro-style ramen with generous toppings. Popular for its rich soup and generous servings of pork, this restaurant is a great choice for those looking for a casual Jiro-style ramen.https://shop.butayama.com/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD/
Conclusion: A Must-Try for the Adventurous Foodie
Jiro-style ramen isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure. With its overwhelming flavors and gigantic portions, this is the ramen for those looking to experience something different. Whether you’re a ramen lover or a curious traveler looking for an authentic Japanese food experience, Jiro-style ramen is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t be intimidated by the size—embrace the experience, and dive into this boldly unique Japanese dish!
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