Today, I, a writer originally from Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, will introduce 5 ramen restaurants that foreigners visiting Fukuoka should definitely visit!
I lived in Fukuoka for about 10 years before I became a university student. Therefore, I will mainly introduce Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, which is relatively affordable.
Nowadays, there are food stalls for tourists not only in Nakasu but also in Tenjin, but back then, food stalls were only found in Nakasu or Nagahama, and good ramen shops had graduated from food stalls and set up shop. That is the general perception.
That’s why I’m introducing ramen this time, not ramen sold at a tourist stall, but ramen sold in restaurants.
This is Hakata ramen. I will introduce you to Nagahama ramen, so please take a look!
hakataya(はかたや)
First up, we have Hakata ramen “Hakataya.” Hakataya can be found pretty much anywhere in Fukuoka city, but this time we’re featuring the one in Katakasu, Hakata Ward.
It is synonymous with Hakata ramen and is commonly known as “hakarā.” Hakata Plus Ramen is abbreviated to “hakarā.”
The best thing about it is that it’s cheap, too cheap! Well, it’s cheap.
I’ve been eating here for over 20 years, and the price has remained the same at an astounding 290 yen for a bowl of ramen! The consumption tax hike and the rising prices of the Reiwa era have no problem with this.
The pork slices are a little thin, but the soup is delicious. Extra noodles are also cheap. I’m sure there is no student in Fukuoka who hasn’t tried it. Even now that I’m an adult, I still go there occasionally, and it’s delicious, so I recommend it.
The Katakasu store is located along National Route 3, so it is convenient to go by car. On the other hand, if you don’t have a rental car, there are also stores in Nakasu Kawabata and Nishijin, so please check them out!
Ganso Nagaham(元祖ながはま)
Next up is “Ganso Ramen Nagahama-ya”. When it comes to Nagahama ramen, this is the first place that comes to mind.
“Ganso” = Original
Please enjoy the taste that is truly Nagahama ramen.
It features tuna-like roast pork and ramen sauce served in a kettle.
The kettle contains ramen sauce, not tea, so don’t drink it! It’s a mistake you’ll make the first time you go!
Ramen sauce is added when you add extra noodles and the soup becomes thin. Every ramen shop has it, but the shocking thing is that Ganso comes in a kettle! If you order extra noodles, be sure to try using the kettle.
There is a main store in Nagahama, but it is always crowded, so I usually come to this store in Nakasu. I think there was only counter seating, but I recommend it if you want to have a quick meal after drinking!
Unfortunately, the price has risen and I think it’s about 600 yen per bowl. It’s pretty normal. I miss the days when I could eat it for 300 yen… By the way, the aforementioned Hakataya is next to the Nakasu Kawabata store, so if you have room in your stomach, try the ramen hopping!
Hakata Ikkosha(博多一幸舎)
This one is a bit unique, but I like it so I’ll pick it out. Hakata Ikkosha. It’s the original foam type.
I remember being shocked when I tried it. Nagahama ramen is pork bone based but is fairly light in flavor, whereas Ikkosha’s is thick and creamy.
But it’s deliciously creamy and sweet. I remember they first had a store in Akasaka or somewhere, but it’s selling so well that you can get it anywhere, including the airport and Hakata Station. (It seems you can get it in Tokyo, too, in Tachikawa and other areas.)
If you’ve come all the way to Fukuoka but don’t have much time to explore, be sure to try some foam-style Hakata ramen at Hakata Station or Fukuoka Airport before heading home!
Shibaraku(しばらく)
This place is also delicious. Hakata Ramen “Shibaraku”
The noodles are naturally thin, and topped with wood ear mushrooms for added accent.
The bowl is filled to the brim with soup, and surface tension is at work. For a while, it’s been a tradition to have a saucer underneath so the soup will overflow.
The pork slices are thick and delicious, and are best served sprinkled with plenty of sesame seeds.
This is the Fukushige branch, which has table seating, so I often go here with my family and children. If you don’t have a car, there is a main store near Nishijin Station, so please check that out too!
Isshintei(一心亭)
The last place I’d like to introduce is my favorite restaurant, “Isshintei,” which I’ve been going to since I was a student and always eat there when I come back to Fukuoka!
First of all, the ramen is the Nagahama style. And the pork slices are delicious, especially the chunky pork slices from the corners.
The best feature of this restaurant is that various side dishes are provided in the middle of the restaurant. The mustard greens (karashi takana) here are especially delicious!
(By the way, “karashi takana” are a Fukuoka specialty.)
Please try a bowl of ramen as is. Then add red pickled ginger and sesame seeds. Then add mustard greens and garlic. Try a total of three bowls! So delicious.
It’s difficult to get here without a car, but the parking lot is large and there are plenty of table seats, so if you’re sightseeing with the family, it’s definitely worth a visit!
fanfanjapan!!
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