Afuri Ramen

Afuri is a Tokyo-based ramen brand that occupies a distinctive position in the Japanese ramen landscape by offering yuzu shio (citrus salt) ramen — a lighter, more perfumed alternative to the pork-heavy tonkotsu soups that dominate international awareness of the category. Founded in 2001, the brand takes its name from Mount Afuri in the Tanzawa mountains west of Tokyo, where the water used in the original broth preparation was sourced. The house broth is a clear chicken-based dashi enriched with kombu and other aromatics, seasoned with sea salt and finished with a measured addition of yuzu citrus — the fragrant Japanese citrus fruit whose combination of lemon, grapefruit, and floral notes cuts through richness and creates a soup of genuine elegance. The resulting bowl is notably lighter and cleaner than tonkotsu, making it appealing to guests who find pork-bone broth too heavy. The Yuzu Shio Ramen at ¥1,180 is the signature item and the reason most guests visit. The Tsukemen (dipping noodles) at ¥1,280 separates the noodles from the broth and allows progressive flavour control. The physical presentation of Afuri locations is contemporary and considered — clean lines, wood accents, and mood lighting that distinguishes the brand from the conventional ramen shop aesthetic. Tablet-based ordering in English is available at Tokyo locations. Multiple Tokyo branches operate including Harajuku, Ebisu, Roppongi, and Shibuya. International locations exist in Portland, Los Angeles, and Singapore. The brand also produces bottled yuzu shio ramen bases for home preparation.