Hakata Ramen has gained popularity not only in Japan but also worldwide. The rich, concentrated flavor of the soup is based on a pork-bone broth extracted by simmering at high heat until cloudy. The noodles used are usually thin, straight, and firm.
Hakata Ramen originates from the Hakaka area of Japan, and terms unique to the area such as Kaedama (an extra serving of noodles), Barikata (very firm noodles), and Yawa (softer noodles) have spread throughout Japan.
In Fukuoka prefecture (where Hakata is located), there is currently a fierce competition between the old- and new-generation of ramen restaurants. A common feature of popular ramen restaurants like Hakata lkkousha, as well as the two major ones-Hakata Ippudo and Ichiran—is ramen that is rich in flavor but with a mild aroma, a characteristic that Japanese women tend to favor. The new-generation Tsukemen restaurants, where thicker noodles are served with a dipping sauce, are also increased in number.
We hope you will come and compare these restaurants that shine with singular distinction in Hakata, the heart, and soul of Tonkotsu Ramen.
Hakata lkkousha Ramen
The owners of ramen restaurants, who remain steadfastly committed to taste, aim to create a unique ramen that retains the positive aspects of traditional Hakata Ramen but also values originality. The cloudy soup of pork bone simmered on a high heat together with pork head from the Kyushu region has a dense, creamy texture, yet has a mild aroma and appetizing flavor. The delicious sauce made from Fukuoka soy sauce and fish soup stock accentuates the flavor of the 100% pork-bone broth-based soup. At the Hakata Honten near JR Hakata Station, a spicy Aka Ramen, as well as a mild Shio Tonkotsu Ramen, are served aside from the classic Tonkotsu Ramen
Shop list: HAKATA DEITOS Branch / NISHI NAKASU Branch
Menkuiya Hakataeki Higashi
After carefully preparing the pork bone, the soup is cooked quickly on a high heat, producing a rich flavor and light aftertaste. The thin, straight noodles absorb only a little of the soup, blending nicely and creating a delicate flavor. The restaurant is known locally for its excellent Chashu (barbecued pork). The Chashu is cooked in soy sauce that is repeatedly reduced and replenished in a similar way to how the sauce is added to Unagi (eel), producing a sweet but rich flavor, and a tenderness that makes the meat melt in the mouth. The most popular dish, Chashu Ramen, is served with seven or eight pieces of this amazing meat.(right side photo)
Shop list: Hakata Station Higashi / Watanabe Dori
Hakata Tsukemen Go-en
The dipping-style ramen is eaten like soba, by dipping the noodles into the sauce. The extra thick flat wheat noodles, made by kneading whole-wheat flour, is immersed into the salt-flavored sauce, with essences of fish, shellfish, and pork-bone based kelp, create an exquisite taste.
Shop list: Tenjin Branch
Daruma Ramen/Hide-Chan Ramen
The restaurants are affiliated with Hide-Chan Ramen in New York and Hong Kong, which featured in the Michelin Guidebook 2012. The Hide-Chan ramen that reproduces the full flavor of the Daruma Ramen. The soup is made through the method that adds freshly boiled soup into the broth every day, thereby turning it into a deep-body ramen with that strong distinctive smell of Tonkotsu. Put the soup in your mouth and the delicious taste will spread to your tongue and you will enjoy that rich, pronounced taste.
Shop list: Duruma Sohonten / Ramen Hide-Chan(Ramen Stadium, Hakata Canal City 5F)
Hakata Ippudo
Hakata Ippudo is a first-class Hakala Ramen restaurant that is popular both in Japan and abroad, including New York and Singapore, The flagship restaurant is located in Daimyo in Fukuoka, and was established in 1985. The owner, Ms.Shigemi Kawahara has always stood at the forefront of Japanese「amenculture. Their popular menus, Akamaru and Hinomaru, continue to be bestsellers.
Shop list: Daimyo Branch / Hakata Branch (JR Hakata city 10F)
Ichiran Ramen
A specialty restaurant featuring natural Tonkotsu Ramen that boasts nationwide popularity. Providing innovative services like an order sheet, which allows customers to personally adjust the density and thickness of the soup as well as the spiciness, and a tasting counter with a curtain that allows customers to focus on the flavor, the restaurant enjoys a strong fan base.
Shop list: Ichiran Honsha Nakasu / Tenjin Nishi Dori
Shin Shin Ramen
Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin is a popular ramen shop where a lot of customers, from local residents to tourists and travelers, line up just to get inside. This restaurant is best represented by Hakata ShinShin Ramen (600 JPY (incl. tax)). This ramen’s soup is made under the concept of “easy to eat that anybody will drink it up to the last drop”
Shop list: Tenjin Honten / Hakata KITTE B1F
Let’s also find out other MUST TRY restaurants in Fukuoka.
