Best Duck Ramen in Tokyo: 5 Must-Try Shops
Tokyo’s ramen scene is famous worldwide, but if you’re looking for something beyond the usual pork or chicken-based broths, duck ramen is an absolute must-try. Known for its deep umami, natural richness, and silky texture, duck-based ramen is a specialty that blends premium duck fat, slow-simmered broths, and perfectly paired toppings to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
From clear, refined duck soups to bold and intensely flavored bowls, Tokyo is home to some of the best duck ramen in Japan. Here’s a guide to the top 5 duck ramen shops in Tokyo, plus a bonus recommendation you won’t want to miss.
Why Try Duck Ramen in Tokyo?
Duck ramen is a hidden gem in Tokyo’s competitive ramen world. Unlike traditional tonkotsu (pork bone) or tori paitan (chicken) broths, duck-based ramen offers a unique balance of richness and delicacy. The high collagen content in duck bones creates a natural silkiness, while the fatty, savory flavor gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel.
Most duck ramen shops also feature premium toppings such as grilled duck chashu, tempura burdock root, fresh negi (spring onions), and aromatic yuzu. Whether you prefer a bold soy sauce-based broth or a lighter, salt-seasoned one, Tokyo has a duck ramen bowl that will satisfy your craving.
Now, let’s explore the best duck ramen in Tokyo and where to find them.
1. Chukasoba Billiken – A Perfect Balance of Duck and Chicken
Located in the historic Asakusa district, Chukasoba Billiken serves a beautifully balanced bowl of duck ramen. Their broth is made from duck, whole chickens, dried sardines (niboshi), and kelp, all simmered for over five hours. The result? A light yet flavorful soup seasoned with a delicate usumurasaki soy sauce.
The grilled duck chashu here is a highlight, as grilling reduces excess fat while intensifying the meat’s deep, smoky flavor. The thick, hand-massaged noodles provide a satisfying chew, making every bite as enjoyable as the last.
Location: Asakusa, Tokyo
Specialty: Duck and chicken broth with grilled duck chashu
2. Menya Fukumaru – Pure Duck Essence
If you want to experience duck ramen in its purest form, Menya Fukumaru is the place to go. Their broth is made from only duck (sourced from Yamagata) and water, allowing the natural umami of the meat to shine. The soup is enhanced with a house-made syrupy duck oil, giving it a luscious, slightly glossy texture.
Toppings include a mix of meats—duck breast, chicken breast, and pork—alongside thin, delicate noodles that come from a renowned Saitama-based noodle maker.
Location: Tokyo
Specialty: 100% Duck broth with syrupy duck oil
3. Chukasoba Manchiken – The Cartoon Duck Bowl
At Chukasoba Manchiken, duck is king—they even have a cartoon duck logo on their bowls! Instead of using a soy sauce base, they opt for shio (salt) seasoning, which allows the duck flavors to stand out even more.
This bowl comes with big slices of spring onions (negi) and Japanese spinach (komatsuna). Instead of just sliced duck chashu, you’ll also get broiled duck cubes, adding a tender, juicy bite to the mix. A touch of yuzu citrus brings a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.
Location: Tokyo
Specialty: Duck-based shio ramen with yuzu zest
4. Kamo to Negi – Simplicity and Elegance
Kamo to Negi takes a minimalist approach, using just duck and water for its broth. The result is a crystal-clear yet deeply flavorful soup, complemented by a mild soy sauce seasoning that allows the duck’s natural aromas to shine.
As the name suggests (Kamo = Duck, Negi = Spring Onion), you get to choose two types of negi from three available options. This lets you customize the flavor to your liking. The noodles are folded beautifully, making this one of the most visually stunning bowls of ramen in Tokyo.
Location: Tokyo
Specialty: Duck and water broth with custom negi options
5. Ginza Kamo Soba 9th Keisuke – A Unique Ramen-Soba Hybrid
Part of the famous Keisuke ramen group, Ginza Kamo Soba 9th Keisuke specializes in duck ramen with a darker, bolder soy sauce base. The broth combines duck and kelp, giving it a complex umami depth.
The toppings here are especially unique—a bright red egg yolk sits at the center, while crispy tempura-fried burdock root (gobo) adds crunch and earthiness. The combination of elements makes this bowl feel like a fusion of ramen and traditional Japanese soba.
Location: Ginza, Tokyo
Specialty: Duck and kelp broth with tempura burdock
Final Thoughts: Best Duck Ramen in Tokyo
Duck ramen in Tokyo offers an incredible variety of flavors and textures, from light and delicate to rich and deeply umami-packed. Whether you prefer pure duck broth, soy sauce-seasoned bowls, or unique toppings like tempura burdock, there’s something here for every ramen lover.
If you’re a fan of high-quality ramen or simply want to explore something beyond pork-based broths, Tokyo’s duck ramen scene is not to be missed. Try one (or more) of these top duck ramen shops, and discover why this specialty is gaining popularity across Japan!
