Ramen Jiro is by now a legend of the Tokyo ramen scene. There are branches in almost every neighborhood, and they all seem to do good business. I had always wanted to stop by the original shop at some point, and when I had errands near Mita, I fit it in.

The sign

It is right next to Keio University, and true to its reputation the line was long; I waited about an hour and a half before I could finally eat. Lots of young people, and quite a few women too.

Ticket machine

The prices are very cheap. The difference was so small that I ordered the buta ramen. That was a miscalculation, though. The plain ramen would have been more than enough.

Buta ramen

Hmm.. can I really finish all of this..

Thick noodles..

Good bounce, but I could taste a bit of raw flour. Still, they go well with the rich broth. And there is absolutely no shortage of volume.

This much meat..

Given the price I assumed there was no way the meat would be any good, but the quality was actually very good. Big thick chunks of pork, and in the end I could not finish it and left about half. I had heard of Jiro’s reputation, but I did not know it was this much. Considering the effort, I do not think there is any reason to go back, but I suspect I will still think of it now and then. I will have to go on a serious diet first, though.

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