Discover the Best Ramen in Kyoto: A Noodle-Lover’s Guide 2024

Are you a ramen enthusiast? I totally get your passion!

Navigating the endless options for the best ramen in Kyoto can be quite a journey.

That’s why I’ve spent countless hours savoring every slurp to guide you straight to the top spots!

I’m excited to share my all-time favorites for the ultimate ramen experience in Kyoto.

From the creamy delight of tonkotsu to the soothing simplicity of shio, Kyoto’s ramen scene has it all.

Why not dive into this flavorful adventure? Let’s explore the best bowls together! 🙂

Exploring the best ramen in kyoto

A bustling ramen shop in Kyoto with steaming bowls and colorful toppings, surrounded by eager customers

Kyoto is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, but it also boasts a thriving culinary scene. Among the many delicious dishes on offer, ramen stands out as a particular highlight.

As a self-proclaimed ramen aficionado, I was excited to explore Kyoto’s ramen scene and discover some of the best spots to indulge in this delicious dish.

Popular Ramen Styles in Kyoto

One of the things that makes Kyoto’s ramen scene so special is the variety of styles on offer. From rich, pork-based tonkotsu broth to delicate, soy sauce-based shoyu broth, there’s something to suit every taste.

One of my personal favorites is miso ramen, which features a savory broth made with fermented soybean paste.

Some of the other popular styles you’ll find in Kyoto include:

  • Shio ramen: A light, clear broth flavored with salt
  • Tsukemen: Cold noodles served with a separate bowl of hot, concentrated broth for dipping
  • Tantanmen: Spicy ramen made with a chili oil and sesame paste

Notable Ramen Streets

Steam rises from a bowl of rich, golden broth filled with springy noodles and topped with slices of tender chashu pork and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, surrounded by the cozy ambiance of a traditional Kyoto ramen shop

While there are plenty of great ramen shops scattered throughout Kyoto, there are also a few areas that are particularly known for their concentration of ramen restaurants.

One of the most famous is Ichijoji Ramen Koji, a street lined with a dozen or so ramen shops.

Here, you’ll find everything from classic tonkotsu ramen to fusion dishes like ramen burgers.

Another popular ramen street is Rokkaku-dori, which is home to several highly-regarded ramen shops. One standout is Menya Gokkei, which is known for its rich, creamy tonkotsu broth.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to Kiyamachi-dori, where you’ll find Ramen Sen no Kaze, a shop that specializes in tsukemen.

Whether you’re a die-hard ramen fan or just looking to try something new, Kyoto’s ramen scene is sure to leave you satisfied.

With so many different styles and shops to choose from, it’s easy to see why this dish has become such an integral part of the city’s culinary landscape.

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Top Ramen Shops in Kyoto

A bustling street in Kyoto, lined with colorful ramen shops. Steam rises from bowls of rich broth, as customers eagerly slurp noodles at outdoor tables

As a ramen lover, I have explored the streets of Kyoto to find the most delicious and authentic ramen shops. Kyoto is a city that is known for its rich culture, history, and food.

The city is filled with a variety of ramen shops that offer different styles of ramen. Here are my top picks for the best ramen shops in Kyoto.

Award-Winning Ramen Establishments

Menbakaichidai: This famous ramen shop is known for its “fire ramen,” where the chef sets the bowl of ramen on fire before serving it.

The broth is made from chicken and soy sauce, and it has a rich and creamy texture.

The toppings include green onions, bean sprouts, and slices of pork.

This unique dining experience has earned Menbakaichidai a spot on the Michelin Guide.

Ippudo: Ippudo is a world-famous ramen chain that has several branches in Japan and overseas.

The Kyoto branch is located near Karasuma Station and serves the classic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with rich and creamy pork broth.

The noodles are thin and straight, and the toppings include slices of pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.

Local Favorites

Gogyo: Gogyo is a popular ramen shop that is known for its burnt miso ramen. The broth is made from miso and pork, and it has a smoky flavor due to the burnt miso.

The noodles are thick and curly, and the toppings include slices of pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.

The restaurant has a cozy and rustic atmosphere, which adds to the dining experience.

Kyoto Gogyo: This ramen shop is a sister restaurant of Gogyo and serves the same burnt miso ramen. The difference is that Kyoto Gogyo uses a different recipe for the broth, which gives it a unique flavor.

The noodles are also thick and curly, and the toppings include slices of pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.

The restaurant has a modern and stylish interior, which makes it a great place for a date or a night out with friends.

Kyoto has a lot of amazing ramen shops, and these are just a few of my favorites. Whether you are a ramen enthusiast or just looking to try something new, these restaurants are definitely worth a visit.

Ramen Dining Experience

A steaming bowl of ramen sits on a wooden table, surrounded by traditional Japanese decor. The rich broth and fresh toppings create an inviting and authentic dining experience

As a ramen lover, I’m always on the lookout for the best places to enjoy this delicious dish. Kyoto is a city that is famous for its rich culinary culture, and ramen is no exception.

Here are some insights on what to expect when visiting a ramen restaurant in Kyoto and tasting tips for ramen aficionados:

What to Expect When Visiting

When you enter a ramen restaurant in Kyoto, you’ll be greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere. The decor is usually simple, with wooden tables and chairs, and the focus is on the food.

You’ll be given a menu that showcases the different types of ramen on offer, which can be overwhelming at first.

Don’t worry, take your time and ask the staff for recommendations based on your preferences.

Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll be served a piping hot bowl of ramen, which is a feast for the senses.

The aroma of the broth, the texture of the noodles, and the flavors of the toppings all come together to create a unique culinary experience.

Be sure to slurp your noodles loudly, as this is considered a sign of appreciation for the chef.

Tasting Tips for Ramen Aficionados

If you’re a ramen aficionado, you’ll want to pay attention to the different elements that make up this dish.

The broth is the heart and soul of ramen, and it can be made from a variety of ingredients such as chicken, pork, or seafood.

Take a moment to savor the broth and identify the different flavors that come through.

The noodles are another crucial component of ramen, and they can vary in thickness and texture. Some ramen restaurants make their noodles in-house, while others source them from local suppliers.

Pay attention to the texture of the noodles, as this can greatly impact the overall taste of the dish.

Finally, the toppings are what give ramen its character. From slices of pork belly to seaweed and bamboo shoots, each topping adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

The ramen dining experience in Kyoto is a must-try for any food lover.

With its rich history and diverse culinary scene, Kyoto is a city that has something to offer for everyone.

So, come with an open mind and a hearty appetite, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Plan Your Ramen Adventure

A bustling Kyoto street with colorful ramen shops and steaming bowls of noodles, attracting eager food adventurers

Are you ready to embark on a ramen journey in Kyoto? Here are some tips to help you plan your adventure.

Best Times to Visit Ramen Spots

If you want to avoid long lines and crowds, it’s best to visit ramen spots during off-peak hours. Most ramen restaurants in Kyoto are open for lunch and dinner, but some may have different hours on weekends or holidays. It’s always a good idea to check the hours of operation before you go.

Another great time to visit ramen spots is during the colder months. Ramen is a popular comfort food during the winter, so you may find that the restaurants are less crowded during the summer months.

Navigating Kyoto’s Ramen Map

Kyoto is home to many great ramen spots, but it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. One way to narrow down your options is to focus on the different types of ramen that are available.

For example, if you’re a fan of rich and creamy tonkotsu broth, you may want to check out Ippudo or Ichiran. If you prefer a lighter broth, you might enjoy Menya Gokkei or Ramen Touhichi. And if you’re looking for something unique, you can try Fire Ramen at Menbakaichidai or Kyoto-style ramen at Takayasu.

You can also use online resources like Google Maps or Yelp to help you find the best ramen spots in Kyoto. Don’t be afraid to try something new and explore different neighborhoods in the city.

With these tips, you’re ready to plan your ramen adventure in Kyoto. Get ready to slurp some noodles and enjoy the delicious flavors of this iconic Japanese dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ramen restaurant in Kyoto?

Tentenyu is highly recommended for its classic chicken broth ramen.

Are there any Michelin-starred ramen restaurants in Kyoto?

Yes, Gogyo is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its unique burnt miso ramen.

What type of ramen is Kyoto famous for?

Kyoto is famous for its rich and flavorful chicken-based ramen.

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Let us know, which of the above is your favorite ramen!

Florian Bernhard
Florian Bernhard
Articles: 108

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