Where Locals Line Up for Ramen
Published: March 23, 2026
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Ramen Hanaikada” is ranked among the top picks in a leading ramen magazine.
Orders are placed by purchasing a ticket from the ticket machine.
It is a small ramen shop with a counter that seats just eight people, yet it is well known enough to appear in food guides and magazine lists of the city’s best ramen spots. As you might expect, especially on weekends, a long line often forms outside, with both regulars and newcomers who discovered it through word of mouth, the press, or television. The ticket machine is only in Japanese, adding to the feeling of a truly authentic ramen experience.
Special Shio Ramen (Most Popular!)
A layered broth made from chicken, pork, and beef stock, enhanced with dried sardines, bonito flakes, kombu kelp, and an extra touch of shellfish umami.
It comes with a few wontons, which is a nice and uncommon touch, and a sweet seasoned egg that adds extra richness. Overall, it is a satisfying, filling bowl—one reason it remains so popular. Paper aprons are also available to help protect your clothes from splashes, a small detail many ramen shops get right.
Shoyu Ramen
Topped with their signature slow cooked chashu pork.
The pork is marinated overnight in a house-made soy-based sauce, then cooked gently at a low temperature for 6–7 hours to keep it tender. It is finished over charcoal for about 90 minutes, giving it a rich, smoky aroma.
The owner focuses on perfecting the ramen’s base, ensuring the broth is of the highest quality. He also pays close attention to the ingredients and to the flavor and aroma of the chashu pork. At the same time, he believes the perfect bowl depends on each customer’s taste, so you can finish it by adding spices to your liking. The menu is also surprisingly extensive, with several ramen styles and even multiple variations within the same type.
Evenings are dedicated to preparing ingredients, so the restaurant operates only at lunchtime.
It is a bit more expensive than other ramen spots, but that is to be expected given the quality. Its popularity shows that customers are more than happy to pay for it. If you are looking for one of those neighborhood ramen shops where locals go, and tourists have not fully discovered it yet, this is a great option, just a short 10-minute walk from Kameido Station.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Diana
・Nationality：Spain
・Hobbies：Dancing, Bon Odori, DIY, and Crafts
※Information is based on February 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the class directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
