Sometimes the best things are unplanned.

One of my best meals in Tokyo was at Afuri Ramen (Harajuku). No guidebooks, no recommendations from friends; simply discovered because we stayed in the area, only to find out after that it's quite 'famous'. We passed by a few nights and there was a long lineup each time – I had to check it out!

Method: Order from the ramen machine and sit at the bar that encompasses the 'kitchen'. I had the Yuzu Shio Ramen which is light chicken broth infused with yuzu – the most refreshing, unique, fusion experience ever. Opted for the thin noodles and light oil. Topped with greens instead of the usual green onion, and the egg was delicious as well.

Overall a totally different experience and flavor than Ichiran. Highly recommend this spot to surprise your tastebuds!

White Sesame Shio 
- grind your own sesame provides a bit of fun, a bit of flavor in the first bite but otherwise not much sesame flavor
- thin, firm noodles - good. to me, they taste the same as the thick ones in the Black Sesame Tan Tan 
- half a soft-boiled egg was okay, could be softer with more flavor 
- cha siu - thin and tender, good mix of fat
- broth was relatively light, creamy, smooth, like  a lighter version of tonkotsu. Despite it being sea salt, I didn't find it salty

Tonkotsu Ramen

Thick noodles

Shio

Shio Ramen (Salt) $10.95

Kara Miso, $11.95

Finally got a chance to try Kinton Ramen last Friday. It's a really small and narrow restaurant at the end of the row of restaurants on Baldwin St. By the same owners of Guu Toronto, the atmosphere is bright and crowded with occasional shouting of greetings. Arrived at 5:30pm with a 45 minute wait, plus another 20 minute wait for food. We were seated in front of the kitchen area so I watched the chefs prepare the noodles and fried foods while waiting.

Miso Ramen ($9.50) - soybean paste, pork belly, beansprout, scallion, corn, garlic oil

I ordered the Miso Ramen with regular broth (salt/fat level) and pork belly (choice of belly or shoulder). The noodles were hard and springy. The broth was just the right amount of saltiness with a hint of peppery spice. I didn't know the pork belly was in one big piece. It was nicely seasoned but a bit hard and dry. Overall it was a pretty good bowl of ramen but soup could be hotter in temperature and pork more tender and juicy.

Pork Buns ($10 for 2)

Momofuku Ramen ($15)

Kimchi Stew ($16)