Imagine a bowl of ramen so large that you can’t even see the noodles.
A mountain of bean sprouts, thick slices of pork, rich pork-bone broth, and enough garlic to make your eyes water. This is Jiro Ramen, one of the most famous and intimidating styles of ramen in Japan.
For many Japanese ramen fans, eating Jiro Ramen is not just lunch—it’s a challenge.
In this article, I’ll explain what Jiro Ramen is, why it has such a devoted following, and share my experience at a popular Jiro-inspired ramen shop in Osaka.
Before We Talk About Jiro Ramen…
Before we dive into Jiro Ramen, it’s worth mentioning that ramen in Japan is as much about the experience as it is about the flavor.
Many Japanese households use their own personal chopsticks every day, and traditional tableware such as Mino ware bowls remains popular throughout Japan.
I use both myself, and they make even a simple bowl of ramen feel special.
Imagine a bowl of ramen so large that you can barely see the noodles beneath the mountain of vegetables. That’s Jiro Ramen.
Jiro Ramen is one of the most famous and unique styles of ramen in Japan. It originated from Ramen Jiro, a restaurant founded in Tokyo in 1968.
What makes Jiro Ramen special is its enormous portion size. A typical bowl comes with thick, chewy noodles, a rich pork-bone and soy sauce broth, generous slices of pork, and a mountain of bean sprouts and cabbage. Many shops also let you customize the amount of garlic, vegetables, and pork fat to create your perfect bowl.
Today, both official Jiro restaurants and Jiro-inspired ramen shops can be found throughout Japan. While each shop has its own style, they all share the same appeal: bold flavors, hearty portions, and an unforgettable ramen experience.
Curious about Japanese ramen? Take a look at my ramen guide! I introduce several different types of ramen found in Japan, from rich tonkotsu ramen to unique regional varieties.
Ordering Jiro Ramen can feel a little intimidating at first, but don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks.
1. Buy a Meal Ticket
Most Jiro-style ramen shops use a ticket machine. Choose your ramen and purchase a meal ticket before taking your seat.
2. Take a Seat
Once seated, place your ticket on the counter and hand it to the staff when asked. If the shop allows you to choose your noodle portion size, this is usually the time to let them know.
3. The Famous “Call”
Just before your ramen is served, the staff will usually ask:
“Ninniku iremasu ka?” (Would you like garlic?)
This is known as the “call.” At this point, you can customize your ramen by requesting extra garlic, vegetables, pork fat, or sauce, depending on the shop.
Don’t be nervous if it’s your first time. Many Jiro-inspired shops are welcoming to beginners, and simply answering “Yes, please” is perfectly fine.
Common Jiro Ramen Terms
Once you become familiar with Jiro-style ramen, you’ll probably hear other customers using these words during the “call”:
Yasai – Extra vegetables (usually more bean sprouts and cabbage)
Ninniku – Extra garlic
Abura – Extra pork back fat
Karame – Stronger, saltier flavor
As you visit more Jiro-style ramen shops, try listening to the calls made by experienced customers. You’ll often hear these words shouted across the counter.
These aren’t just toppings—they’re part of the unique culture of Jiro Ramen. By combining different calls, customers can create an even bigger, richer, and more intense bowl of ramen.
That’s why Jiro Ramen is more than just a meal. It’s an experience that makes eating ramen in Japan truly unforgettable.
スポンサーリンク
My Experience at “Think on the Earth Scale, to the Future”
One of the Jiro-inspired ramen shops I visited was Think on the Earth Scale, to the Future in Osaka.
The first thing that surprised me was how quiet the restaurant was. Unlike many ramen shops where people chat while eating, most customers were completely focused on their bowls. The atmosphere felt serious, almost like everyone was preparing for a challenge.
I was also nervous about making my first “call.” When the staff asked for my toppings, I answered so quietly that they couldn’t hear me the first time!
Then my ramen arrived.
I ordered the small size, but it looked anything but small. A mountain of seasoned bean sprouts covered the entire bowl, and two thick slices of pork sat on top. The noodles were completely hidden beneath the vegetables and meat.
What makes Jiro Ramen truly unique is the noodles. They are much thicker and flatter than the noodles used in most Japanese ramen. They have a strong wheat aroma and a chewy, satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the rich pork-bone and soy sauce broth.
At first glance, the ramen looked too heavy for me to finish. However, once I started eating, I was surprised by how addictive it was. The bean sprouts were well-seasoned, the pork was flavorful, and the chewy noodles kept me coming back for another bite.
Despite its enormous size, I finished far more than I expected.
After trying it myself, I finally understood why so many people become devoted fans of Jiro Ramen. It’s not just about the huge portions—it’s also incredibly delicious.
Want to Recreate the Japanese Ramen Experience at Home?
Jiro Ramen is something I highly recommend trying in Japan. The unique atmosphere, the anticipation of making your first call, and the thick chewy noodles are all part of the experience.
Of course, nothing can fully replace eating a fresh bowl of ramen at a restaurant in Japan. However, you can still bring a little of that experience home.
I personally like Mino ware ramen bowls, one of Japan’s most famous traditional ceramics. They are sturdy, heavy, and have a premium feel that inexpensive bowls simply don’t have. The large size is perfect for ramen, but I also use mine for soups, rice bowls, and salads.
The chopsticks included in the set are inspired by Wakasa lacquerware, a traditional Japanese craft known for its beautiful glossy finish. In Japan, many people have their own personal pair of chopsticks and use them every day.
Even if you can’t visit Japan right now, a traditional Japanese bowl and chopsticks can help bring the ramen-shop experience to your home.
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