Source: YouTube

Tokyo’s Fruitiest Ramen: PaPaPaPaPine!

Updated on August 17, 2018

Pineapple Ramen Shop: PaPaPaPaPain

Ramen is a famously popular dish in Japan, with many varieties to choose from: whether you like it salty, spicy or vegan-friendly, there is truly something for everyone. Even so, the combination of ramen and pineapple probably isn't one that most people would consider. Well, in Tokyo's Machida City, there is an eatery dedicated to just that - Ryan (from the Ramen Adventures YouTube channel) went along to PaPaPaPaPine to sample their fruity offerings. (The video was taken at their previous location in Nishi-Ogikubo, but almost everything about the shop, from its appearance to its menu, has remained the same at the new location).

The exterior of the shop leaves no doubt as to its specialty - just look for the big pineapple lantern and bright yellow door adorned with ornamental pineapples. There's a meal ticket vending machine outside where you can select the kind of ramen you want - if you aren't a pineapple fan then you're out of luck, as everything on the menu contains the tropical fruit. Ryan talks us through some of the options before opting to try the shoyu pineapple ramen.

The pineapple theme is just as strong inside the small shop, with pineapple decorations everywhere, pineapple-shaped condiment holders, and pineapple vinegar to put on your food should you feel the urge to do so. We see the chefs preparing the dish in seemingly the same way as regular ramen, before adding a generous topping of succulent pineapple chunks. Mmm!

However, there is more pineapple here than meets the eye (and there's a LOT that meets the eye) - as shop owner Hiroaki Kurata explains, the soup used in the ramen is 1/4 pineapple juice. The egg too, usually soaked in tare, is soaked in pineapple juice before being added to the bowl. The result seems to be pretty delicious judging from Ryan's reaction, but if you are not convinced then why not head over to Machida and try it for yourself! And don’t forget to check out Brian’s channel for more info about ramen!


Shop Information

  • Shop Name: PaPaPaPaPain!!
  • Address (EN): Tokyo Machida-shi Haramachida 3-1-4 2F Machida Terminal Plazza
  • Address (JP): 東京都町田市原町田3-1-4 町田ターミナルプラザ 2F
  • Access: Machida Sta. (JR Yokohama Line), 3 min. walk; Machida Sta. (Odakyu Line), 8 min. walk
  • Hours: 11:00-15:00, 18:00-21:00 (closed Sun.)
  • Price range: ~1,000 JPY (cash only)
  • Tel: 042-709-3987
  • Twitter: @paishio

By - grape Japan editorial staff.