I stopped by this place a little while ago.
Iruka TOKYO @ Roppongi
I think I’ve had Iruka’s instant cup ramen before — probably picked it up at a 7-Eleven or somewhere like that.
Apparently, this shop is actually featured in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand section.
It’s located about a 2-minute walk from the Roppongi Midtown side exit, and usually there’s a long line outside.
But luckily, that day there were only a couple of groups ahead of me, so I decided to stop by!
It’s apparently super popular with inbound visitors — I’d say about 80% of the customers seemed to be from overseas.
After waiting in line for around 20 minutes, I finally made it inside!
Unlike your typical ramen joint, this place has a much more refined vibe — almost like a high-end sushi restaurant.
There are only 8 counter seats, plus a semi-private room, and the space feels really open and calm compared to most ramen spots.
I went for their signature dish, the Special Porcini Soy Sauce Ramen, along with a Chashu Pork Bowl.
At ¥2,000 for just the ramen, it’s probably the most expensive bowl I’ve ever ordered!
After a short wait, the staff brought it over with a friendly, “Thanks for waiting! Here’s your Special Porcini!”
Don!
Special Porcini Soy Sauce Ramen
Just look at it — absolutely mouthwatering.
The presentation is next-level, with those perfectly aligned noodles!
The toppings include two kinds of chashu — pork and chicken — plus a wonton, a soft-boiled egg, and Kyoto-style Kujo green onions.
On the right side of the bowl, there’s a small spoon with a porcini and truffle paste fancy touch.
First, I tried the broth.
The moment it hit my tongue, a wave of umami spread through my mouth it literally made my mouth water.
It’s incredibly rich yet smooth, with a clean soy sauce finish that keeps the balance just right.
The soup is a blend of chicken, pork, shrimp, and shellfish broth.
the chicken is Nagoya Cochin, the pork is Kagoshima Kurobuta, the shrimp is Ise-ebi from Mie, and the shellfish are mussels.
No wonder the soup costs a fortune to make!
The noodles are silky and springy with a great smooth texture they go down so easily.
Halfway through, I mixed in the truffle and porcini paste from the spoon for a little flavor twist.
Instantly, the aroma bloomed and the broth turned luxuriously rich.
I couldn’t believe how much the flavor changed, So good!
Chef’s Special Meat Bowl (Chashu Don)
Just look at that absolute perfection.
I thought it’d be a small side bowl, but it came loaded with chunky pieces of chashu and had way more volume than expected.
Each bite of tender pork coated in a rich, creamy egg yolk was pure bliss.
The slightly sweet sauce paired perfectly with the rice, and the Kujo green onions kept it from feeling too heavy, I finished the whole thing without slowing down.
By the end, I was completely stuffed… but totally satisfied.
Now I get why this place is so popular, it’s ramen that makes you feel a little spoiled.
Gochisousama!
Iruka TOKYO – Roppongi
Address: 1F, Hotaka Building, 4-12-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–21:00
Closed: Mondays