Hidden away in the residential backstreets of Zoshigaya is one of 2025’s most high-impact ramen joints. Gojuban does an array of fancy bowls made with a sea bream-based soup, but its main draw among spice fiends is undoubtedly the Umakara Shibiremen (¥1,150).
Served in a large bowl filled to the brim with a starchy Sichuan-style mala soup made with copious quantities of peppercorns and chilli, this bad boy also includes a heavy helping of garlic to really clear your sinuses and test the strength of your innards.
It’s not overly spicy though, and the meat hidden beneath the dark surface is both melt-in-your-mouth soft and moreish. Big eaters: be sure to order a bowl of rice on the side to dunk into any leftover soup.