A Beginner’s Complete Guide to Ramen Jiro: From Noodle Anxiety to Ordering Like a Pro

What is Ramen Jiro? More Than Just a Bowl of Noodles

Hi! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.

First things first: Ramen Jiro is not just ramen. It’s an experience, a culture, and for many, a delicious challenge. Born in Mita, Tokyo, it has spawned a legion of devout fans and hundreds of “Jiro-style” or “Jiro-inspired” shops across Japan. Forget delicate flavors; Jiro is a full-on assault of pork, garlic, and rich, fatty broth, all served in massive portions.

The Flavor: An Overwhelming Punch of Umami

Imagine a thick, rich pork and soy sauce-based broth (tonkotsu shoyu) so potent it coats your tongue. This is topped with a mountain of boiled cabbage and bean sprouts, thick slices of braised pork (“buta”), and a generous scoop of freshly minced garlic. The noodles themselves are thick, chewy, and flat, more akin to udon than traditional ramen noodles.

The Warning: This is Not Your Average Ramen Shop

Jiro is famous for its unique set of rules, its special vocabulary, and its intimidating atmosphere. But don’t worry. This guide is your key to not only surviving but truly enjoying this iconic culinary experience.

Too Much to Handle? A Guide to Jiro’s Noodle Portions

Perhaps the biggest fear for first-timers is the sheer volume of noodles. A standard bowl of ramen in Japan has about 150g of noodles. At Jiro, a “Sho” (Small) ramen starts at around 300g, double the normal amount. But don’t worry! You have options.

The Magic Words: “Men-Hanbun” & “Men-Sukuname”

If you are not a big eater, you can ask for fewer noodles when you place your ticket on the counter. Simply say:

• “Men-Hanbun” (麺半分): This means “half noodles” (approx. 150g). This is the safest and most common request for first-timers.
• “Men-Sukuname” (麺少なめ): This means “fewer noodles” (approx. 200-230g).

Don’t be shy about asking for this! The staff would much rather you order less and enjoy your meal than struggle and leave food behind.

Noodle Weight List (Approximate)

Shop Name	Type	“Small” Ramen Noodles (Approx.)	Ken’s Insider Tip
Ramen Jiro Mita Honten	Official (直系)	300-350g	The holy land. This is the standard by which all others are measured.
Ramen Jiro Meguro	Official (直系)	250g	Perfect for beginners! Known for slightly smaller portions. As a Meguro local, this is my top recommendation for your first Jiro.
Ramen Jiro Shinjuku Kabukicho	Official (直系)	350-400g	Known for being one of the largest portions in Tokyo. Approach with caution!
Ramen Butayama Ebisu	Inspired (インスパイア)	125g (Mini), 250g (Small)	The most tourist-friendly option. Great access, clean, and has a “Mini” size smaller than a normal ramen bowl.
Ramen Senrigan	Inspired (インスパイア)	300g	Famous for its unique spicy toppings. For advanced players after you’ve tried a few others.

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide: From Lining Up to Leaving

Step 1: Finding a Shop

Most Jiro and Jiro-inspired shops have a distinctive yellow sign with black lettering.

Step 2: Lining Up and Buying Your Ticket

Expect a line. Once you get close to the entrance, you’ll see a ticket machine (券売機, kenbaiki). For beginners, the smallest size, often labeled “Sho” (小), is more than enough.

Step 3: Taking Your Seat and Observing

When a seat opens up, the staff will gesture for you to sit. Place your ticket on the upper counter. Now is the time to observe. If you want “Men-Hanbun” or “Men-Sukuname”, tell the staff at this timing.

Step 4: “The Call” – Decoding the Topping Chant

This is the moment of truth. Just before your ramen is served, the chef will look at you and ask, “Ninniku iremasuka?” (ニンニク入れますか？ – “Do you want garlic?”). This is your cue to make “The Call.”

Step 5: Eating and Etiquette

Once your bowl arrives, it’s time to eat. It’s considered good manners to eat quickly. Don’t linger. When you are finished, place your bowl on the upper counter and say “Gochisousama deshita” (Thank you for the meal).

Mastering “The Call”: The Ordering Spell

When the chef asks “Ninniku iremasuka?”, it’s time for “The Call.” The “call” customizes four free toppings.

• Yasai (野菜): Vegetables (cabbage and bean sprouts).
• Ninniku (ニンニク): Garlic.
• Abura (アブラ): Pork back fat.
• Karame (カラメ): Soy sauce.

Example Chants and Their Meanings

• If you just say “Hai” (Yes): You get a normal amount of everything.
• If you say “Iie” (No): You get no garlic, and a normal amount of everything else.
• “Ninniku, Yasai”: Just say the toppings you want extra of.
• “Zen-Mashi” (全マシ): “Everything extra.” You get more of all four toppings.
• “Mashi-Mashi” (マシマシ): “Much more.” This gets you a huge amount. Use with caution!

Recommended Orders for Beginners

• For Small Eaters: “Sho Ramen, Men-Sukuname” + Standard toppings.
• For Average Appetites: “Sho Ramen” + Call for extra Yasai, Ninniku, or Abura as you like.
• For the Very Hungry: “Dai Ramen” (Large) + Call for extra toppings.
• For Those Who Want to Challenge Their Limits: “Dai Ramen, Zenbu Mashi-Mashi”.

Access Guide to Featured Shops

【Ramen Jiro Mita Honten】

• Address: 2-16-4 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station: Mita Station (Toei Asakusa/Mita Line) / Tamachi Station (JR Yamanote Line)
• Access from Station: About an 8-minute walk from Mita Station Exit A3

【Ramen Jiro Meguro】

• Address: 3-7-2 Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station: Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line, etc.)
• Access from Station: About a 12-minute walk from the West Exit

【Ramen Jiro Shinjuku Kabukicho】

• Address: 2-37-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku Station / Shinjuku Station (JR, etc.)
• Access from Station: About a 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station North Exit

【Ramen Butayama Ebisu】

• Address: Ebisu Neonato 1F, 4-1-18 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station: Ebisu Station (JR Yamanote Line, etc.)
• Access from Station: About a 2-minute walk from the East Exit

【Ramen Senrigan】

• Address: 4-6-8 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Station: Komaba-Todaimae Station (Keio Inokashira Line)
• Access from Station: About a 10-minute walk

Ken’s Final Advice: Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared

Ramen Jiro might seem intimidating, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. The key is to be prepared and respectful of the rules. Go with an empty stomach, a sense of adventure, and this guide in hand. You’re not just eating ramen; you’re taking part in a Tokyo tradition. Enjoy it!

【Disclaimer】
The information in this article is based on the time of writing. Please check the official websites for the latest information before your visit.