Review

Tontoro Ramen in Kagoshima is celebrated for its rich and hearty pork ramen. The standout feature is the slow-cooked broth made from Kagoshima pork, chicken bones, and bonito, creating a flavorful, cloudy base.

Imagine a rich, creamy tonkotsu broth with a zesty twist of lemon, topped with fresh green onion—sounds intriguing, right? Their lemon tonkotsu ramen is a must-try, blending savory and refreshing notes perfectly.

Ramen Hiiragi in Nagasaki is a beloved ramen shop known for its unique tomato-based ramen. This dish features creative ingredients like eggplant and spinach, adding depth and complexity. The shop also excels in traditional tonkotsu ramen, praised for its rich, savory broth.

Daihachi in Nagasaki is famous for its Champon, a hearty noodle soup with roots in Chinese cuisine, created for Chinese students in the early 1900s. Unlike traditional ramen, Champon’s toppings—pork, seafood, and vegetables—are stir-fried in lard before the noodles and broth are added, allowing everything to cook together and soak up the broth’s rich flavors.

Kakuya isn’t actually a ramen restaurant; it’s more of a souvenir shop that also serves food. Located along the quiet old shopping street leading to the famous Yutoku Inari Shrine (one of the three great Inari shrines in Japan), you’ll find Kakuya on the main street. The shopfront displays a variety of local snacks and pastries, while a hidden corner signboard lists the food menu.

Hidden near the end of the food and shop alley in Saga train station is an unassuming ramen shop called Saga Ramen Ufufu. With huge signboards advertising student discounts, it effectively draws in students even outside of lunch hours. This cozy spot has become a popular hangout for young diners looking for a budget-friendly meal.

Nestled along the Main street of pottery town Arita, Hitofushi is a humble ramen shop that’s a lifesaver for many, as finding food around Kami-Arita station can be challenging despite its status as a tourist destination. For those hunting for your favourite Arita-ware or visiting the famous Porcelain Shrine (Sueyama Shinto Shrine), don’t miss the chance to try some Saga-style ramen served in local Arita ware.

Fukunoie is run by the noodle manufacturer Fukuyama Seimenjo, known for their high-quality ramen and udon noodles. Without saying, the quality of the noodles here is top-notch, but what really surprised us was the price.

Mongoi Ramen in Hiroshima stands out for its unique ramen offerings. The chef, originally from Kure, a port town in Hiroshima, brings his roots into his cooking, using predominantly seafood-based ingredients. This makes Mongoi Ramen a great choice for those seeking something different from the dominant Shoyu variants in the region.