【(334) Mega Popular Leg Review Part 240】I'm not a Jirolian, but I have a deep love for "Jiro-style" ramen to the point where I can't feel settled without indulging in it several times a month. Of course, the original 'Ramen Jiro' and its direct branches are top-notch. In my hometown Maebashi, around three years ago on October 27, 2019 (Sunday), the 'Ramen Jiro Maebashi Chiyoda-cho Store' [4-12-3 Chiyoda-cho, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture] opened its doors. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. Despite my fondness for "Jiro-style" ramen, I haven't had the chance to visit many 'Ramen Jiro' direct branches. Therefore, this occasion to finally visit here has me overjoyed beyond words. The 'Ramen Jiro Mita Main Store' is located on Sakura-dori, a section of the iconic "Tokaido" route, near the 'Sakuradamon' intersection in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, flowing from the 'Sakuradamon' intersection in Chiyoda to the 'Nishi Gotanda 1-chome' intersection in Shinagawa. It is just 80 meters west of the main gate of Keio University, near the 'Keio University Mita Campus'. For those curious about the history of 'Ramen Jiro,' I have provided a brief explanation at the end of this review. 【Business Hours】 - Daytime: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM - Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Closed on Sundays and holidays 【Menu】 Purple Ticket: "Ramen" ¥600 (tax included) [Pork: 2-3 slices, Noodle Weight: about 300g pre-cooked] Yellow Ticket: "Buta Ramen" ¥700 (tax included) [Pork: about 5 slices] Gray Ticket: "Buta Double Ramen" ¥800 (tax included) [Pork: 7-8 slices] Blue Ticket: "Large Ramen" ¥650 (tax included) [Pork: 2-3 slices, Noodle Weight: about 400g pre-cooked] Light Green Ticket: "Buta-iri Large Ramen" ¥750 (tax included) [Pork: about 5 slices] Dark Green Ticket: "Buta Double Large Ramen" ¥850 (tax included) [Pork: 7-8 slices] 【Procedure】 (1) Join the line facing east towards Keio Main Gate. When the line reaches the intersection, it turns back towards the west behind the store. After becoming the 4th or 5th person, purchase a meal ticket. Show the color of your ticket when asked about noodle quantity. Request for "Noodle Increase [Free]" at this point. (2) Even when at the front of the line, wait until directed to enter. Follow the staff's instructions to enter and take a seat. Larger bags should be placed on the shelf on the east side of the store when seated. (3) When seated, place the meal ticket on the counter and place the served cup at your seat. Request for "Less Noodles [about 250-200g]," "Half Noodles [about 150g]," or "One-Third Noodles [about 100g]" at this point. Also, request for "Firmer Noodles" or "Softer Noodles" at this point. (4) If asked, "Do you want garlic?" call out the following "Free Toppings" items: "Extra Garlic," "Additional Extra Garlic," or "Garlic [none]." "Extra Extra" seems possible but may be best avoided on the first visit.

Jiro ramen, the original, offers large portions at low prices! Even on weekday nights after 6:00 PM, there are over 20 customers lined up outside the shop. The turnover is fast, so you'll get your turn fairly quickly. You line up outside to buy meal tickets. When seats become available, you're ushered in. Here are the meal ticket options: - Regular ramen: 600 yen (with 2 thick slices of pork) - Pork ramen: 700 yen (with 5 thick slices of pork) - Double pork ramen: 800 yen (with 8 thick slices of pork) - Large ramen: 650 yen (with 2 thick slices of pork) - Large pork ramen: 750 yen (with 5 thick slices of pork) - Large double pork ramen: 850 yen (with 8 thick slices of pork) Recently, there are no common toppings like shaved bonito flakes seen in other Jiro-style ramen shops. Once seated, no one talks. Probably because speaking might get you scolded. Shortly after sitting down, you'll be asked, "Would you like garlic?" for additional toppings. Toppings include garlic (more/less), vegetables (more/less bean sprouts), oil (more/less lard), and caramel sauce (makes it richer in flavor). Only black pepper is available for seasoning on the table. There are no tissues, and the water is tap water at room temperature. It seems everything is kept minimal to achieve low prices. The pork is flavorful with minimal fat. The soup is a rich soy sauce-based broth with lard. The noodles are thick, curly, and on the softer side. If you prefer firmer noodles, they can accommodate by boiling them longer; just let them know when you show your meal ticket. A tip: When adding extra vegetables, since they dilute the flavor, it's good to add caramel sauce. There's a restroom upstairs in the shop.

"Pork ramen priced at 700 yen, with garlic and extra fat. Saturday, 7:25 AM, about 20 people waiting for the opening. The store opened at 7:55 AM, and the ramen was served at 8:15 AM. This marks the third pilgrimage to the sacred place in 2023. The leader, Chef Opé, presented a divine bowl. Today's ramen was quite salty. Thank you for the delicious meal."

Visited for lunch on Saturday. Arrived around 11 o'clock and started lining up from the red cone turnaround point, waited for just under an hour. I usually thought that at this time the head chef would be in a supervisory role, but on this day, the noodles were still being prepared by the time it reached this hour, and it was my 10th visit before I could finally try the head chef's noodles. The pork was a bit disappointing in quality, but even with that taken into account, it was satisfyingly delicious.

I came to Tokyo on a business trip and finally visited Ramen Jiro, which I've been wanting to try. Since I could only go early in the morning due to my schedule, I went to the Mita Honten branch. I had my first Jiro at the main branch. I wonder if they could open one in Aichi Prefecture... I've tried various Jiro-style ramen such as Ramen Dai, Ten Takaku Tobu, and Tachikawa Mashimashi. I arrived around 9:30 am and there were 8 people ahead of me. It's not as long as the peak queue, but still impressive. Anyway, I had watched videos to prepare, so I was relatively smooth in ordering by mimicking the person in front of me. [Order] Small ramen 600 yen, ordered as is. I skipped garlic because of work afterwards. Since it was morning, the soy sauce had a sharp edge due to the non-emulsified state. The saltiness was stronger than I imagined. The noodles were slightly soft by default. The pork, with two slices, one was divine! The other one was delicious too though. I wasn't extremely hungry, but I finished it in no time. I also got to meet the leader, so it was a valuable experience.

Visited Jiro's original main store in Mita for the first time in over 4 years! It's still strange that you can eat for only 600 yen ( ᐛ ) The thick noodles, crunchy vegetables, and thick slices of pork are reliably delicious. It's a balanced Jiro that doesn't stand out, but makes you think this is where it all started! Since there's a lot of noodles, it's recommended to start with a smaller portion!

A pilgrimage to Ramen Jiro Mita Honten. Amidst the intense atmosphere dominating the restaurant, I calmly enjoy my bowl of ramen while observing the master preparing the bean sprouts. The robust combination of carbs and fats is upheld by the flavorful soy sauce and garlic. With drool-worthy anticipation, I dive into the pork chunks. It's a marvelous initiation into an exquisite culinary tradition.

Queue upon arrival: 36 people Queue upon departure: 34 people Arrival to serving time: 62 minutes Day: Saturday (holiday) Time from nearest station to restaurant: about 11 minutes walk Arrived at 12:22 Seated at 13:21 Served at 13:24 Left at 13:35 Meal ticket: Purchased after the person in front, before entering Order: Pork Ramen Paid toppings: None Price: 700 yen Call: Vegetables, a little garlic, extra fat Features: Slightly emulsified, slightly curly noodles, 4 operators (with a leader assisting), 1 batch of 5 people, average turnover Fullness: Very full Thank you for the meal! It was delicious! #Ramen #ramenjiro #RamenLover #NoodleInstagram #Jiro #RamenJiro #JiroMitaMainStore #JiroMainStore #JiroMita #JiroFans #JiroLife #JiroGram #GarlicYesOrNo #ExtraExtra #ConqueringAllJiroStores #JiroStyleRamen #NoodleLife #RamenLife #TamachiStation #MitaStation #MitaStationGourmet #TamachiStationGourmet #KeioUniversity

On September 23rd, I went to a place near Mita Station for lunch. It's a bit of a walk from the station, maybe more than 10 minutes. This place ranks within the top 100 ramen spots in Tokyo, so I decided to check it out. As expected, there was a line outside, but since it was a weekday, I only had to wait about 20 minutes to get in. Once the line outside gets to about 6 people or less, you can buy your meal ticket. Before entering, they ask you about the amount of noodles you want, so I opted for half. Inside, there are only counter seats available. I ordered the ramen for 600 yen, half-sized noodles, no garlic, and with fewer vegetables. I'm not very good at ordering. They don't provide soup spoons. My strategy was to tackle the noodles first. They're quite thick, almost like udon. I alternated between noodles and bean sprouts, more like a battle to finish rather than savoring the taste. Are there really two slices of pork in here? I couldn't handle it anymore. I managed to finish everything except for the pork, but I just couldn't eat anymore. I probably could've managed one slice if I tried harder, but then someone else from the same group left, so there was no choice. When I apologized for leaving food, the boss said, "Don't push yourself too hard." So that person was the boss, huh? It was really beyond me...

I visited the Ramen Jiro Mita Main Store in Tamachi (Mita)‼️ This time, I ordered the "Buta Ramen" with a call for "Firm noodles, extra everything"✨ It's been 2 years and 4 months since my last visit, and I've tried various Jiro-style ramens, but the deliciousness here is unparalleled. The master is still energetically at the kitchen, and while waiting with excitement, the bowl arrives‼️ This Jiro-style ramen is where it all began✨ 【Soup】 The emulsified soup is rich with sweetness and depth, without the strong pork smell. The saltiness is just right. Truly, the main store's level is different. 【Noodles】 Ordering firm, the noodles have a Jiro-like firmness, and though not as chewy as Masaking's Fuji-maru style, they are delicious. 【Pork】 Adding pork was the right choice⭕️ The heavenly pork matches perfectly with the vegetables, noodles, and soup. It's flavorful and has a great chew. 【Vegetables】 The crunchy vegetables of bean sprouts and cabbage, with the dressing of pork fat, are outstanding. The main sanctuary of Jiro-style ramen. It's amazing that everything started from here, and they are still leading the front line. The master, please keep up the good work. In the midst of some Jiro places with intimidating service, Mita Main Store's customer service is divine. Truly like a Buddha^_^ ※ Last visit: 2021/4/17 (Buta-filled Large Ramen, extra everything) ------------------------------ Visited Shop: Ramen Jiro Mita Main Store Address: 2-16-4 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo Access: 8 minutes walk from Toei Subway Asakusa Line/Mita Line "Mita Station" A3 exit, 10 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line "Tamachi Station" Mita exit (west exit) Distance from Mita Station: 530m Business Hours: [Mon-Sat] 8:30-15:00, 17:00-20:00 Closed: Sundays, holidays ------------------------------ Ordered this time: Buta Ramen 700 yen [Call]: Firm noodles, extra everything ------------------------------ No Instagram account ------------------------------ Visit time and waiting: Thursday (☀️) 11:21 arrival, about 15 people waiting 11:49 served, about 11 people waiting ------------------------------ #Please follow #Noodlestagram #Noodlesgram #RamenJiroMitaMainStore #JiroMainStore #Ramen #Tsukemen #Aburasoba #JiroStyle #TokyoRamen #TamachiRamen #MitaRamen #TabelogTop5000 #Tabelog3.80 #JiroStyleDoesntGetRatings #KingEvaluationSpecialEdition #WantToConnectWithRamenLovers #Gourmet #Delicious #Yummy #Tasty #NoodleActivity #RamenActivity #Noodle #Ramen #Food #Japan #Delicious #Instafood

16th visit in 2023. Arrived around 9:30, waited outside for about 1 hour. Knowing it would be my last day at Jiro for a while, I wanted to make sure I had no regrets, even considering going for the Buta (large serving), but knowing my limits, I opted for a small serving with less noodles. Ordered with less garlic and extra vegetables. Lately, the soup at Mita has been sharper and tastier overall, perhaps because they've reduced the amount of fat in the broth. Finished my meal comfortably, although it's clear even a small serving fills me up quickly. Left thinking it might be a while until the next visit. Until we meet again.

On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 3:51 PM, I visited Ramen Jiro Mita Honten. With the Koshien fever dominated by Keio, I decided to come to Mita. Just to clarify, I'm not a Keio graduate. This visit marks my 200th recorded restaurant on Tabelog, and what better timing than at Mita Jiro! This legendary establishment needs no introduction online – Ramen Jiro has established itself as a hugely popular genre of ramen, and its headquarters, Mita Honten, is a must-visit for Jiro enthusiasts. It's understandable. I arrived a bit early for the afternoon session, peeked inside, and saw some customers. I assumed they were the remaining customers from the morning session, so I hesitated to enter. But summoning courage, I asked, "Can I come in now?" To my surprise, they welcomed me in. How kind. There were two staff members. My last memory of visiting a few years ago was satisfying – I vaguely recall enjoying the meal at the main store! I always imagined the counter to be more rundown, with duct tape and such. Did they renovate? There's no air conditioning inside... It's hot. I was inspired to compare it with Hibarigaoka Jiro since I was so impressed there, but it's too hot. I ordered with garlic and extra oil. Considering waiting outside, I endured the heat. It's unbearable. I received my order at 3:58 PM. Mita Jiro doesn't quite have the vegetable tower like Hibarigaoka. That tower was something. The vegetables here lack flavor. A staff member on break returned. So, I guess they're running with three people during the main hours. Mita Honten features a rich broth made with pork and a non-emulsified soup base. The combination of soy sauce and pork umami stimulates the appetite. It's addictively delicious, with a salty richness from the pork. The noodles are Jiro's signature thick, homemade variety. The soup's flavor complements them perfectly. The noodles here are wavy and flat, with a slightly soft texture. When you chew, you can taste the sweet aroma of wheat flour. The chashu has a firm texture with discernible meat fibers, offering a satisfying chew. There are two generous slices of pork, providing substantial satisfaction. Compared to Hibarigaoka... the flavor leans towards Hibarigaoka Jiro. Will visiting the main store in Mita satisfy you? They've covered the place in Keio tapestries. It's a shop supported by Keio boys. However, consecutive Jiro meals are tough... If I were to describe it in a Power Pro status style, it would be: Power: D (Well, it's Jiro, so that's expected) Speed: A (It's in Mita, after all) Running Ability: B (It's easily accessible among the top 100 Jiro stores) Shoulder Strength: B (The apprentices were cooking today; the boss wasn't around. Perhaps he's off today.) Defense: B (The apprentice's preparation made the food delicious.) Thanks for the meal.

Visit 14 in 2023, arrived around 8:45 am. About 3 people waiting outside. Noodle portion was confirmed quickly, and the dish arrived 10 minutes later. It was a day with a strong pork broth, about half portion, less garlic, less oil, and lots of vegetables in the broth. It was delicious as always. Somehow, it feels like it's even more delicious lately. Maybe it's just my imagination.

On Monday, August 28th, I arrived at 17:14 to find a line of 10 people waiting outside. However, the moment I lined up, 5 people were let inside. I effectively became the 6th in line, which was a lucky timing, wasn't it? I ordered the small size for 600 yen and at 17:25, I was seated at the counter inside. Oh, it's the same seat as when I came last week. I feel a kind of connection here. I came back because it was delicious last week... Really, Jr. looks so much like his dad used to. As I was thinking this, "Small size, please" – they were checking for toppings. I asked for vegetables and extra fat, and at 17:32, my bowl was ready. Delicious again today! Initially, it felt a bit firmer than last week, but halfway through, it felt the same. Mita really feels like the quintessential Jiro experience to me. Everything is delicious. Whether it's just the noodles, just the vegetables, or just the pork, all are tasty. I drank a good amount of the soup as well and said my thanks. Leaving at 17:43, I was completely drenched in sweat.

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, I arrived outside at 5:25 PM and joined a group of 8 people. The wait was short, costing 600 yen. We were seated at the counter inside at 5:46 PM. At 5:49 PM, they brought us water, but the glasses were scalding hot (laughs). The ramen arrived at 5:53 PM, looking delicious like a classic Jiro-style ramen. It seems like Mita Ramen hasn't changed much in appearance despite changes in location or people. Lately, they've been calling it "Delo-men," but it didn't seem particularly oily. It was just right. I felt like I hit the jackpot with two thick slices of pork and a chunk of pork belly in my bowl. Mita Ramen has never provided spoons since old times. Even with just the soup left, I couldn't stop myself. I lifted the bowl and slurped it all up. Finished the soup, it was delicious. I left the restaurant at 6:04 PM, sweating profusely.

The pork-filled large ramen priced at 750 yen is a steal with its extra vegetables and garlic. They were out of the double meat option, so I settled for the regular, but the sheer amount of noodles and meat almost defeated me. I only left the fatty parts of the meat. Everything else was devoured, but the noodle portion was insanely huge. Personally, I find the taste better in other ramen shops. My apologies. I ended up with a rapid stomach ache from consuming too many carbs. Went on a weekday at 1:30 PM, there were 13 people ahead, but the turnover was quick, and I waited about 20 minutes. The boss was there.

I visited the restaurant on Monday, August 21st. It was a Monday after the Obon holiday, and it was scorching hot across various parts of Kanto with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius. I arrived at the restaurant around 10:30 AM, expecting it to be less crowded at an early hour, which turned out to be mostly correct. There were 11 people waiting when I arrived. Despite being 56 years old, it was my first visit, and I was impressed. No one seemed confused about how to order, probably because you can easily find information online. The restaurant even provided parasols outside. Though it was small, the operation was smooth. I got seated in about 15 minutes, and my food arrived just 5 minutes later. Two handsome young men were cooking, while the leader was energetically managing tasks like delivering bean sprouts, cutting pork, and arranging chairs. I ordered the "Buta Ramen Small" for 700 yen, with less noodles, extra garlic and vegetables. The vegetable portion wasn't as generous as I expected, but the soup was surprisingly mild in saltiness, balancing well with the rich oily broth. The noodles were thick and chewy, just like I imagined from a Jiro-style ramen. However, the pork was quite salty for my taste, so I had to drink water and purchased oolong tea from the vending machine outside. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying meal overall, leaving me wanting to try other Jiro-style ramen shops. However, I felt the prices were too low. Considering it's a top-notch Jiro-style ramen shop with numerous branches nationwide, they could increase prices to support the hardworking staff, inspiring the younger generation. Interestingly, there was a man with two children, around 1st or 2nd grade, at the restaurant. They ended up sitting next to us, and the leader jokingly refunded him 600 yen, saying, "Can't charge kids."

Arrived eagerly around 8:45 after the Bon holiday, only to be surprised by the fairly long line extending from the halfway point. Ended up waiting about 40 minutes until receiving the bowl. Opted for a small ramen with half the usual noodles, less garlic, and extra vegetables. It was my first visit to Mita in a while, and I couldn't help but savor the familiar taste. However, it seemed they didn't catch my request for half the noodles, so I had to muster up some energy to finish the rather substantial portion. Nevertheless, it was still fantastic!

Visited on a weekday using a paid vacation day. Arrived around 10 AM, and there's a line of 20-30 people, mostly men, probably due to the summer vacation season. No roof where you wait, but the shop provided free umbrellas in front, a thoughtful gesture. Waited for about 1.5 hours and finally got to the ticket machine to order ramen! Was surprised by the price - 600 yen! The entrance and back door are open, but the inside is cool thanks to air conditioning and fans. Placed the ticket received from the machine on the counter, ordered with garlic. You can bring your own drinks, and there's a vending machine outside, so it's good to buy one while waiting. The ramen came out quickly! This is the main store! Lots of bean sprouts, cabbage, and garlic visible, and under them, there are two thick slices of pork! The noodles are chewy and soft, and the soup is really delicious! The pork is thick and large but easy to eat. Unbelievable for 600 yen! I've tried Jiro ramen at several shops, including in Fujisawa, and they were all delicious, but this one is outstanding. The garlic oil has sweetness and a soy sauce flavor. It's definitely fatty, yet for some reason, it's easy to eat. Finished it in no time. Later, I craved a lot of water, so it must have been high in salt, but it was strange because while eating, I only felt the deliciousness without noticing the high salt content. It's recommended to study how to order before going. A restaurant worth trying again.

12th visit in 2023, it's been a while since I came to the main branch. Surprisingly crowded in the morning, probably because of the upcoming Bon holiday. This might be my last visit here for a while, so I wrapped it up with a meal at Mita. The taste and atmosphere here are truly unique to Mita. It was delicious. (A weight gain of about 8 kilograms from approximately 14 bowls of Jiro ramen in a month—too crazy, haha.)

Small ramen with garlic and vegetables. Went to the main shop for the first time in a while before work. There was quite a line. Despite borrowing a grateful parasol under the scorching sun, ended up sweaty... But managed to keep my spirits up while waiting in line, finally got seated. They served the dish promptly with great skill. Delicious. Absolutely delicious. Ate it all in one go, it felt like it was over in no time. Anyway, I'll definitely come back again.