AFURI Ramen: Classic Yuzu Chicken Flavors and Spicy Varieties in Tokyo

AFURI Ramen: The Story of Tokyo's Popular Ramen Brand

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AFURI Ramen was founded in 2001 in Kanagawa.

The brand name "AFURI" is derived from Mount Afuri, located within the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park. Historically, it has been regarded as a sacred mountain by locals, and it is said that during the Edo period (1603-1868), hundreds of thousands would visit each year to pray for a bountiful harvest.

AFURI has its central kitchen in Kiyokawa Village, Kanagawa Prefecture, where fresh broth and noodles are produced daily. The broth is made using clear mountain spring water from the foot of Mount Afuri, simmering whole domestic chickens over low heat to extract their delicate flavor with pure water.

Additionally, seafood, shellfish, and vegetables are added to the broth to enhance its flavor profile, showcasing the natural qualities of the ingredients.

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Aside from the golden chicken broth, AFURI also incorporates a unique yuzu juice in their ramen, whose refreshing citrus aroma perfectly complements the chicken soup.

Even after finishing a whole bowl, it feels light and satisfying, allowing it to stand out among heavier ramen flavors like tonkotsu and miso.

Additionally, AFURI's broth has a lower fat content, with less oil and salt, aligning with recent dietary trends and making it particularly popular among female consumers.

Since opening its first Tokyo location in Ebisu in 2003, AFURI has now been in operation for over 20 years. It has nearly 30 branches in Japan, East Asia, and the European and American markets, establishing itself as a representative brand for chicken broth ramen among ramen enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.

Must-Try Flavors at AFURI Ramen

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Like many Japanese restaurants, AFURI has a ticket vending machine outside for ordering before being seated. Some locations do not accept cash, so it's important to check ahead of your visit.

AFURI offers two types of broth: salt and soy sauce, and you can also choose to add their classic yuzu flavor. In addition to ramen, AFURI also provides tsukemen dishes (*eaten by dipping the noodles in a special sauce)

Once you've selected your items, you'll need to decide on the amount of chicken fat in the broth: whether you prefer the golden ratio of a light broth or a richer flavor.

You can also choose between grilled pork chashu or chicken chashu for your meat. Finally, you can add various toppings according to your preferences.

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If you’re trying AFURI for the first time, we recommend starting with the Yuzu Salt Ramen (柚子塩らーめん).

With just one sip of its golden, light broth, you'll experience the perfect citrus aroma of yuzu. Paired with the signature chashu pork and chewy, handmade noodles, it presents a ramen flavor that is rarely found outside of Japan—truly an unforgettable culinary experience!

AFURI Store Locations: https://afuri.com/findus/

A Must-Try for Lovers of Spicy Ramen! Afuri Karakurenai Shinjuku Subnade

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In 2019, AFURI opened their Afuri Karakurenai store in the underground shopping area SUBNADE in Shinjuku, featuring a red design highlighted and focusing on spicy ramen.

Their signature dish is the Yuzu Spicy Red Ramen (柚子辛紅らーめん), which combines chicken broth with various chili powders, spicy miso, flavored chili oil, and classic yuzu juice.

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Afuri Karakurenai is also considerate in offering spiciness levels from 0 to 8 and 28. For those who are not accustomed to spicy food, it's recommended to start with levels from 0 to 2.

Level 4 is close to medium spiciness, while levels 5 to 8 require an additional charge. If you dare to challenge level 28, which has twice the spiciness of level 8, be cautious, as it is extremely spicy and could cause digestive discomfort.

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Upon the first sip, the slightly tart aroma of yuzu intertwines with the complex and well-defined spiciness, creating an astonishing experience.

The table is equipped with Sichuan pepper oil and ginger apple vinegar, allowing guests to adjust the flavor whenever they feel overwhelmed.

The bowl is filled with rich toppings such as spicy bamboo shoots, onions, green onions, chashu pork, and soft-boiled eggs, adding a variety of textures that contrast with AFURI's original refreshing image, offering a completely new ramen experience.

Non-Spicy Ramen Options at Afuri Karakurenai

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AFURI Karakurenai also offers the Yuzu White Soy Sauce Ramen (柚子白醤油らーめん), which removes all spicy elements.

It features a clear chicken broth blended with Japanese dashi and rich, fermented white soy sauce, topped off with AFURI's signature yuzu juice. This dish instantly returns to the refreshing and elegant flavor profile characteristic of AFURI ramen.

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In addition, at AFURI Karakurenai, you can order a cup of Yuzu Lassi, a yogurt drink infused with yuzu flavor that can help soothe your mouth after experiencing the spiciness.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a cup of ale beer mixed with freshly squeezed yuzu juice from Kochi, both of which are essential companions when tackling the high spice levels!

AFURI Karakurenai
Address: 1-2-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, B1F Shinjuku SUBNADE
Business Hours: 10:30 - 22:00

Bring AFURI Home as a Souvenir

Recently, AFURI has collaborated with several instant noodle brands to launch a variety of products. Below are two of the more well-known items.

Highly Recommended by Netizens: AFURI Yuzu Salt Instant Noodles

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AFURI's classic Yuzu Salt Ramen is now available in an instant noodle format, capturing the essence of chicken broth, kombu, bonito, and mackerel, complemented by the refreshing aroma of yuzu.

In just 4 minutes, you can easily prepare a flavor that closely resembles what you’d find in the restaurant, satisfying your craving for AFURI anytime, anywhere. Next time you visit a Japanese supermarket, be sure to look for the Yuzu Salt instant noodles.

New Product for 2024: AFURI Souvenir Ramen

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If you want to bring Yuzu Salt Ramen home, consider purchasing the new AFURI Souvenir Ramen. This product is made and sold by AFURI, with noodles, seasoning packs, and soup packs all produced in-house.

Every flavor retains its original essence, allowing you to cook up a bowl of ramen infused with the aroma of yuzu by simply following the instructions. It’s available at all AFURI locations in Japan, so when you visit AFURI for ramen, be sure to grab a few packs to take home!

Enjoy AFURI Ramen in Tokyo

With its blend of yuzu flavor and chicken broth, complemented by grilled chashu and handmade noodles, AFURI has captured the hearts of travelers around the world with its refreshing and delicious ramen.

For those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors, you can also visit Shinjuku to try the fiery AFURI Karakurenai, challenging your taste buds and creating memorable culinary experiences during your travels!