Recommended bowl: A legendary Tokyo shop

Harukiya is one of Tokyo's longest standing serious ramen shops. Harukiya Honten began in 1931, as a simple soba restaurant. Shortly after World War II, the original master Imamura-san's brother decided to open up a ramen shop nearby. This was in 1949, and this shop still serves the same menu ever since then. Today it is considered by many to be one of the true original Tokyo ramen shops, and a famous 'must-hit' spot when talking about any list of old Tokyo ramen. The bowls are classic Tokyo-style shoyu, with a niboshi soup and noodles that are “kneaded by hand every morning while taking into account the day's weather and humidity,” according to the shop's own description. Like many old-school bowls, this one comes piping hot thanks to a generous layer of chicken oil floating on the surface. A highly nostalgic bowl, preserving the authentic taste from another era.