Gridskipper

What better way to start this chilly Tokyo new year than with a steaming bowl of ramen — and as evidenced with the queues I've been seeing everywhere, I'm not the only one to think so. My neighborhood of Ikebukuro has quite the reputation for ramen shops — which is a lucky thing if you happen to love the stuff, and something to keep in mind if you're in town and looking to experience some of the best (Ebisu also has its share of great shops). If you don't know where to start, let me point you to the recently opened Ippudo (2-26-10 Minami-Ikebukuro, 03-6907-8305), part of a chain that comes all the way out from Kyushu. Their specialty is tonkotsu (pork-based broth) ramen, and I tried their recommended bowl, which is served with a spicy miso sauce that mixed quite nicely with the soup. Delicious.

Ippudo [Official site]

[Text + Photo: Jean Snow]

Previously: Adidas Gazelle TKY, Everything You Wanted to Know About Hysteric Glamor, United Cinemas Toyosu, Bape Kids, Tokyo Sing-A-Long, Wonderwall Is Go(o)d, Get Down Wii Your Bad Self in Tokyo, Zamiang Boutique in Tokyo