Originating from a meals stall in Kurume Metropolis in 1937, tonkotsu ramen has turn out to be considered one of Fukuoka’s most beloved native specialties. Whereas it’s typically divided into three types — Hakata, Nagahama, and Kurume — latest years have seen an explosion of inventive and advanced variations, providing a variety of flavors and experiences.
On this article, we introduce 4 locations for the very best ramen in Fukuoka, the birthplace of tonkotsuramen. From a nostalgic meals stall representing Fukuoka’s yatai tradition to a ramen izakaya serving distinctive aspect dishes with drinks, all of those fashionable eating places settle for reservations and promise a memorable culinary expertise.
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Right here’s an outline:
Picture: Umauma Gion retailer
『喜柳』|Kiryu
A famend yatai (road meals stall) in Hakata working since 1967. As a long-standing consultant of Fukuoka’s meals stall tradition, “Kiryu” has been featured in quite a few TV dramas and commercials, and stays bustling each evening with locals and vacationers.
- Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen: Basic Hakata-style skinny noodles meet a slowly simmered pork bone broth. A wealthy and genuine expertise of tonkotsu ramen.
- Yaki Ramen (Grilled Ramen): Boiled noodles grilled on a hotplate till crispy, served with a signature sauce. This can be a Fukuoka yatai favourite with a satisfying texture.
With over 100 menu objects, together with 10 ramen varieties, Kiryu provides one thing for everybody. Native specialties embrace:
- Hakata Gurumaki – cabbage and spicy cod roe rolled in dough
- Mochimochi Gyoza – chewy texture dumplings, a store favourite
- Karashi Menkon – spicy cod roe with lotus root
Simply 2 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station or 1 minute from Tenjin-Minami Station, the stall has 15 counter seats and is right for solo diners or a ramen nightcap after drinks.
Tackle: 1-4-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Reserve at Kiryu
『うま馬 祇園店』|Umama Gion
Based in 1953, this long-established restaurant inherits the flavour of Sanbaro, a pioneering store thought of the basis of Hakata ramen. Its signature dish, the Genryu Hakata Ramen, includes a clear, clear pork bone broth, matched with house-made flat noodles. Regardless of its gentle look, it provides deep umami.
Don’t miss their beloved aspect dishes:
- Chew-size Gyoza
- Grilled Hen Pores and skin Skewers
- Motsunabe (offal hotpot) with a light, savory flying-fish broth
- Contemporary Horse Sashimi sourced straight from Kumamoto
Really helpful Programs
- Umama Course (No Drinks) – ¥3,300
Contains 7 objects like 5 forms of skewers, bite-size gyoza, and a small bowl of Hakata ramen.
- Umama Full Course (with 2-Hours All-You-Can-Drink) – ¥5,000 (2+ visitors)
Contains mentaiko tamagoyaki, gyoza, skewers, their signature motsunabe, and extra.
The usual ending dish is noodles or rice porridge from the hotpot, however you possibly can substitute with Genryu Hakata Ramen (small) for +¥400 if ramen is your aim.
Simply 1 minute from Gion Station, the restaurant includes a vigorous 9-seat counter, quieter tables for small teams, and a 2nd-floor tatami area for banquets.
(Course costs and contents are topic to the seasonal change. Costs are per particular person.)
Tackle: 1-26 Gionmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Reserve at Umama Gion
『豚そば 月や 大名店』|Tonsoba Tsukiya Daimyo Ten
From it`s flagship location in Nakasu, the place traces persist even late into the evening, “Tonsoba Tsukiya” has expanded to the Daimyo district. As a “clear tonkotsu ramen” specialist, the restaurant provides a light-weight but flavor-packed bowl. Its clear broth retains the wealthy depth and delicate sweetness of pork bones — a brand new tackle tonkotsu ramen.
- Tonton Soba
Basic clear tonkotsu broth topped with tender, melt-in-your-mouth chashu.
- Dashi Soba (Daimyo location unique)
A transparent seafood-tonkotsu broth with fragrant umami from fish inventory.
- Identical-Day 2-Hour All-You-Can-Drink Course – ¥3,850 (2+ visitors)
Contains shumai, boiled gyoza, fried rice, fried hen in candy sauce, and your alternative of ending ramen (Tonton Soba or Dashi Soba). Out there for arrivals between 18:00 and 21:00.
Situated simply 5 minutes from Akasaka Station, the calm 32-seat area (28 desk seats, 4 counter seats) is family-friendly and helps bank cards, e-money, and QR funds.
(Course costs and contents might range by the season. All costs are per particular person.)
『呉朝明』|Wu Chao MingRer
An extended-loved ramen izakaya in Fukuoka’s Tenjin space, “Wu Chao Ming” started as a meals stall in 1955. It`s tonkotsu ramen is proscribed to 40 servings per day and includes a wealthy pork broth, medium-thin noodles, and melt-in-your-mouth chashu — a coveted combo that attracts ramen lovers from close to and much.
Their grilled wontons are particularly fashionable and pair splendidly with the ramen, incomes a loyal following. The restaurant additionally provides a number of over 50 alcoholic drinks, together with rigorously chosen sake and shochu.
Social gathering Course
- Chef’s Alternative 6-Dish Course + 120-Minute All-You-Can-Drink – ¥4,900 (4+ visitors)
Contains grilled and boiled wontons, 4 extra aspect dishes, and ramen to complete — good for group gatherings.
Situated about 12 minutes from Tenjin Station and 10 minutes from Akasaka Station, Wu Chao Ming options 32 desk seats and a comfy, relaxed environment. It’s often called a “hidden gem” that even actors and celebrities go to, treasured by locals.
(Course pricing and contents might range by the season. The worth is per particular person.)
Tackle: 1F Shu Wa Maizuru Residence, 1-6-12 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Reserve at Wu Chao Ming
Tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka varies broadly from store to buy — in broth richness, noodle thickness, and topping decisions. Whether or not you’re having fun with a nostalgic bowl at a yatai stall or savoring a refined model in a classy restaurant, each chew provides taste to your journey.
Discover these 4 hand-picked retailers and indulge within the blissful bowls of tonkotsu ramen that may solely be present in Fukuoka.
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