Overall Review: 🌕🌕🌖🌑🌑
Dickson's Fooday Food Journal #243 - Tokyo, Japan Edition

A group of us came to Roppongi to go shopping.
After shopping, we happened to find a famous ramen shop here - AFURI!
This ramen shop has branches in many places in Japan and is also quite famous among Taiwanese people!

I've always wanted to try the flavor of this ramen shop in Japan, and this time I finally had the opportunity to line up and see.
However, because this area is really a tourist spot, both local Japanese people and tourists come to Roppongi for leisure.
As a result, the queue at AFURI was outrageous!

We spent about 40 minutes waiting outside before we got a chance to use the ordering machine.
The shop is located on the second basement floor of the building, which makes it convenient to line up inside.
If you don’t have the patience to wait that long, there are also several other well-known ramen shops nearby to consider!

I think those shops should be equally good!

This shop specializes in yuzu-flavored ramen.
I personally enjoy yuzu flavor in ramen, so I was looking forward to trying it out.

However, do note that the ordering machine here does not support cash payments, so be sure to have your credit card or electronic payment ready!

When you finally reach the ordering machine, it means you have the chance to go in and eat!
Although there seem to be many ramen options on the menu, most of them are variations of yuzu ramen with different ingredients or flavors.

Of course, the basic option is the yuzu salt ramen, which is recommended on the menu.
In addition, if you want something spicier or with additional toppings, you can select those directly at the ordering machine.

The menu also offers set combinations.
You can opt for the yuzu salt ramen with grilled meat rice because eating ramen is just better with grilled meat rice!

Another thoughtful aspect of the shop is that they provide hangers and some basic fragrances.
You can hang your coat on the hanger and then take your seat to eat.

Food: 🌕🌕🌕🌘🌑
Atmosphere: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Service: 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑
Price: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

⭐️ Food
That day, I ordered the most recommended yuzu salt ramen set, which includes ramen and grilled meat rice—a golden combination!

However, after eating the overall experience, maybe my expectations were too high, and I felt it wasn't as impressive as I thought.
It seemed more like a standard yuzu-flavored ramen.

The noodles were cooked quite well—not too soft or too hard.
However, the overall yuzu flavor didn’t provide my taste buds with anything new, which was a bit unfortunate.

The grilled meat rice was fine, but when visiting a ramen shop in Japan, I expected something that stands out from what I can find in Taiwan.
This shop does not seem to surpass the usual yuzu ramen shops in Taiwan by a wide margin, making me feel a bit disappointed after waiting so long to come here. 🥹🥹🥹

But overall, it is indeed a good ramen shop!
If you are particularly fond of ramen, I think it's worth trying out and comparing the authentic ramen experience between Taiwan and Japan!

⭐️ Atmosphere
The space inside the shop is really small, and the aisles can usually only accommodate one person at a time.
While the decor gives a more modern feel, the overall layout and ambiance still resemble a traditional ramen shop.

However, the shop staff is well-prepared with various small items and maintains a clean environment.
After the previous customer finished their meal, they quickly tidied up the seating area very well.

So I would say the dining cleanliness and environment are quite good. 👍

⭐️ Service
This shop really attracts both tourists and locals, so it takes quite a while to get seated.
I personally don’t like to wait in line, which makes me feel like this part should be rated down.
But it seems that in ramen shops, it’s hard to avoid lining up just to eat, right? 😂😂😂

Other than that, there isn’t much special service since the ordering machine is used for automated ordering, and then you just get invited to your seat.

⭐️ Price
Ramen shops in Japan are actually quite affordable, even in popular or busy areas.
Prices are generally not too high, and some are even cheaper than ramen shops in Taiwan!

So I think eating ramen in Japan is quite economical!
You can try various authentic local ramen, so if you have the chance, consider visiting several places!

⭐️ Summary
Overall, I think the ramen here is still tasty.
It may just have a bigger reputation, and I’ve always heard about this place, so I wanted to try it.
But in Japan, it’s actually just one of the many chain ramen shops.

Therefore, it didn’t leave me with a particularly stunning flavor experience; it’s just a decent ramen shop above the average level.

I think if people are visiting Japan, they can still try this place since it's recognized as a known ramen shop.
However, I also think it’s good to explore some lesser-known or unique ramen shops!

You might discover some new flavors!