Mutekiya

Located a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit and 1 minute from Seibu Ikebukuro Line South Exit, this iconic Tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen shop in Ikebukuro was founded in 1998. It's a popular spot with a particularly high ratio of international visitors, well-prepared to cater to overseas guests with multi-language descriptions on its nori (seaweed). The soup is a rich Tonkotsu base, creamy with a clean aftertaste, offering a mellow finish that is rich but not too heavy. The noodles are thick and slightly wavy with a chewy texture that intertwines well with the soup. A welcome point is that regular (210g) and large (320g) noodle portions are offered at the same price, allowing you to choose without worrying about the quantity. The greatest feature is the tasting comparison of three types of Chashu (pork slices). The shop's unique approach presents chashu from the same base prepared in three distinct ways: "as is", "aburi" (seared), and "yuzukosho" (yuzu pepper). The chashu is soft and melts in your mouth, with the rich umami of pork spreading with every bite. The nori features multi-language explanations, and the staff are energetic and proficient in English. The signature Mutekiya Ramen Nikutama (1530 yen) is a bowl topped with chashu and ajitama (marinated egg). For those seeking a challenge, the "1 Pound Dokamori Chashu Ramen" (2250 yen) is a voluminous bowl featuring 12 thick slices of chashu. Table condiments include concentrated Jasmine Tea (a free service that can be diluted with cold water), Karashi Takana (spicy pickled mustard greens), Gyofun (fish powder), and Oi-Kaeshi (extra concentrated soup base), offering a high degree of freedom to customize your flavor. With continuous operation until 3:30 AM, it's also a perfect spot for "shime ramen" (a late-night meal to finish the day) after the last train in Ikebukuro.