Ramen Jiro Ikebukuro Higashiguchi

Ramen Jiro Ikebukuro Higashiguchi is a direct branch (chokkei) of Ramen Jiro, located in Minami-Ikebukuro 2-chome, a 5-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station East Exit. It operates only during lunch hours (11:00-15:30, closed on Tuesdays) and is a beloved spot for local Jiro fans, with queues forming from opening time. The soup varies between emulsified (nyuka) and non-emulsified (hi-nyuka) styles depending on the owner or day. In recent years, it has ranged widely, from emulsified versions praised for their 'mild' and 'refined' taste, to non-emulsified types where the 'sharpness of soy sauce' takes center stage. With a rich tonkotsu-shoyu (pork bone and soy sauce) base topped with Jiro's distinctive abura (se-abura – pork back fat), it offers a substantial yet relatively approachable experience among Jiro-style (Jiro-kei) ramen. The noodles are medium-thick to thick with a firm, chewy (washi-washi) texture, and a regular portion is approximately 220-250g. Noodle quantities can be adjusted by choosing 'sukuname' (less), 'hanbun' (half), or 'sonomama' (as is), making it easy to control the volume. The chashu (braised pork) is made from pork shoulder, prepared with a generous amount of fat and a firm, meaty texture, thoroughly seasoned with tare (sauce). The free verbal customization known as 'Call' (Kooru) is synonymous with Jiro. Staff will ask for your preferences just before your bowl is served. You can specify from 'Yasai' (vegetables), 'Ninniku' (garlic), 'Abura' (pork fat), and 'Karame' (extra seasoning). For each item, you can also add quantities like 'sukuname' (less), 'masi' (more), or 'masimasi' (extra extra). A unique feature is that 'Karame' (to make the flavor stronger) is adjusted by yourself using the kaeshi (concentrated soy sauce base) available on the table, so it doesn't need to be requested during the 'Call'. Pepper, ichimi (chili powder), and kaeshi are provided on the table. The enjoyment of Jiro lies in experiencing a different bowl every time, through various combinations of noodle quantity, soup, and 'Call' customizations, making it a central gathering point for Jiro fans in the Ikebukuro area.