Tokyo’s Ramen Restaurants Lose their Michelin Stars | @AbroadinJapan Podcast #55

TL;DR

Tokyo's three Michelin-starred ramen restaurants lost their stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide. Raw chicken also discussed.

Transcript

I always talk about how I met Elon Musk and prince Andrew and nobody cares because it's not a photo so you got make sure if you meet your celebrity always get the photo otherwise it it literally didn't happen wow hello and welcome to the Abron Japan podcast probably the best way of learning about life in Japan that actually being in Japan I'm your ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤩 Tokyo's food scene experienced a shakeup as three Michelin-starred ramen restaurants lost their stars, leaving no Michelin-starred ramen in the city.
• 🍗 Eating raw chicken in Japan is uncommon due to safety concerns, highlighting the cultural differences in food preferences and safety standards.
• 🤩 Getting reservations at Michelin-star ramen shops is a challenging process, often requiring online reservation or waiting in long lines.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Tokyo's Michelin-starred ramen restaurants lose their stars?

The reason for their loss of stars is unclear, but it may be due to the strict and rigid criteria set by Michelin for awarding stars.

Q: Is it common to eat raw chicken in Japan?

No, eating raw chicken is not common in Japan due to the risks associated with it, such as the potential for foodborne illnesses.

Q: How can one get reservations at a Michelin-star ramen shop in Tokyo?

It can be challenging to secure reservations at these popular establishments. One option is to try to reserve a seat online as soon as they become available. Another option is to arrive early and wait in line.

Q: What other dishes or foods did the podcast hosts miss from their home countries while in Japan?

One host missed Greg's sausage rolls and pasties, while the other expressed a longing for Mexican food, specifically Chipotle.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tokyo's three Michelin-starred ramen restaurants have lost their one-star status in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

• Raw chicken in Japan is risky to eat, despite some people enjoying it.

• The discussion also touches on the challenges of getting reservations at Michelin-star ramen shops.