Ramen | Pittabi

Exploring the Popular ‘Taiho Ramen’ in Fukuoka’s Bustling District, Tenjin

August 18, 2023August 18, 2023 Miho

I recently had the opportunity to visit the well-loved establishment ‘Taiho Ramen’ in the heart of Fukuoka’s lively Tenjin area. This renowned spot specializes in Kurume-style ramen, a unique and distinct departure from the more commonly known tonkotsu ramen, featuring a truly exceptional and unforgettable broth. In this article, I’ll delve into the details of my visit, sharing my experience with Kurume-style ramen and what makes ‘Taiho Ramen’ stand out.

Details and Access to Taiho Ramen

Address: 1-23-8 Imsaizumi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0021
Phone: 092-738-3277
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Closed: January 1st
Parking: Not available
Official Website: http://www.taiho.net/

Getting to Taiho Ramen and its Location

Conveniently located near Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station, ‘Taiho Ramen’ can be easily accessed. It’s situated along the Kokutai Road and in proximity to the Kego Shrine, making it a stone’s throw away from the bustling city center. Whether you’re on a shopping spree or in need of a quick bite, ‘Taiho Ramen’ proves to be the perfect spot for a lunchtime escapade or a delectable snack to satisfy your cravings.

Ambience and Interior of Taiho Ramen

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll find a ticket vending machine on the left, where you can purchase your meal tickets. Afterward, choose an available seat and make yourself comfortable. The staff may also guide you to your table if necessary.

The seating arrangement comprises counter-style seats, creating an intimate and cozy environment. Both solo diners and groups of friends frequent the place, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The constant influx of customers adds a sense of briskness, hinting at the necessity to free up the seats promptly after dining. The interior, while not overly spacious, offers an inviting setting, albeit one that might feel slightly cramped if you have substantial belongings.

Menu and Pricing at Taiho Ramen

The menu boasts the staples: “Ramen” (680 yen) and “Mukashi Ramen” (730 yen). While a variety of ramen options are available, including “Takana Ramen,” many patrons opted for either “Ramen” or “Takana Ramen.” Of course, for ramen enthusiasts looking to indulge in extra noodles, a “Kaedama” (extra noodle) option is available for an additional 130 yen. Interestingly, it’s worth noting that the price for Kaedama has risen from the 100 yen it used to be in Fukuoka.

Impressions of Eating Ramen at Taiho Ramen

During my visit with a friend, we decided to order one bowl of regular ramen and one bowl of ‘Mukashi Ramen’ to explore the flavors of Kurume-style ramen. Having previously enjoyed Hakata-style ramen, I was eager to experience the unique taste of Kurume ramen.

Mukashi Ramen

While it maintains the base of tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, there’s a distinct essence that sets ‘Mukashi Ramen’ apart. It carries a flavor reminiscent of lard or even a bread-like undertone. I noticed the addition of something resembling rice crackers in the ramen, which I later discovered to be fried pork fat, as indicated on the official website (http://taiho.net/foodmenu/index.html). The noodles are slightly thicker compared to those found in Hakata-style ramen.

Ramen (Regular)

The standard ‘Ramen’ at ‘Taiho Ramen’ leans towards a milder taste than ‘Mukashi Ramen.’ However, the noodles remain consistent between the two offerings. Personally, I found myself leaning toward ‘Mukashi Ramen’ as my preference. Yet, a member of my dining party declared the regular ‘Ramen’ to be the winner, underlining the diversity of opinions when it comes to taste.

Recommended Audience for Taiho Ramen

For those who relish the flavor of tonkotsu ramen, ‘Taikan Ramen’ is worth a try. The eatery presents a distinctive take on the classic dish, offering a taste of something refreshingly different. Keep in mind that the atmosphere isn’t conducive to leisurely dining and lingering conversation. If you’re seeking a place for heart-to-heart chats with friends and family, you might want to explore alternative dining spots.”

Tasting Hakata Ramen at Ikkousha in Fukuoka Airport – A Flavorful Adventure!

August 18, 2023August 18, 2023 Miho

At the third floor of Fukuoka Airport lies an area called “Ramen Runway” where various ramen shops gather. I decided to try Hakata ramen at Ikkousha, one of the shops in this area.

Normally, I enjoy Shin Shin Ramen, but this time I wanted to explore a different tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, as well as another well-known tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka. So, I paid a visit to Ikkousha’s Fukuoka Airport branch.

Known for its “bubbly” style, Ikkousha’s ramen turned out to have a creamy taste yet a distinct punch of pork bone aroma. It’s recommended for those who prefer a rich and robust pork bone flavor.

Indeed, the place quickly filled up with customers soon after opening, proving its popularity.

Let’s dive into the details!

About Ikkousha: A Worldwide Ramen Chain

Fancy instant ramen on sale at train stations and supermarkets in Fukuoka? It’s likely to include Ikkousha’s instant ramen.

Although I hadn’t heard of it before, it seems the shop was founded in Fukuoka in March 2004. Nowadays, it has expanded beyond Fukuoka, with branches in countries like Indonesia and China. I’ve even spotted “Ikkousha” in Los Angeles’ Japan Town.

Basic Info for Ikkousha Fukuoka Airport Branch

Address: 3F Domestic Terminal Building, 782-1 Shimoujii, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 812-0003
Phone: 092-710-4901
Official Website: https://www.ikkousha.com/store

Getting to Ikkousha Fukuoka Airport Branch

Located inside Fukuoka Airport’s Domestic Terminal within the “Ramen Runway.”

It’s just outside the security checkpoint, making it convenient to enjoy ramen without any hassle or when arriving or departing from Fukuoka.

The Scene at Ikkousha Fukuoka Airport

Opens at 10 AM, but even before 10, the doors are open. When I arrived at 9:59 AM, there were already three groups of customers waiting. Start by purchasing your meal ticket from the machine near the entrance. Choose your menu from the ticket machine right inside the door, and make your purchase. Payments can be made with cash or electronic money.

I was led to the counter seats. Each seat was separated with plastic partitions, adding an extra layer of safety for the pandemic.

Despite being a weekday morning, the initially sparse crowd filled up quickly, and soon the place was packed. While customers didn’t sit right next to each other, about 80% of the single seats were taken, and even the table seats started filling up. Clearly, this is a renowned spot in Fukuoka.

Ikkousha’s Menu and My Thoughts

The menu primarily revolves around tonkotsu-based dishes.

The most popular is the “Ajitama Ramen (味玉ラーメン)” (930 yen), which includes egg and cha-shu (sliced pork), but you can enjoy a basic tonkotsu ramen for 780 yen.

Many people ordered the ramen with mentaiko (spicy cod roe) or gyoza (dumplings) as a set.

For me, growing up in Fukuoka, tonkotsu ramen and gyoza are inseparable. Since I always have them together, this time I ordered the Ajitama Ramen and a side of gyoza.

Ajitama Ramen (930 yen)

The tonkotsu ramen had thin noodles, the classic style. The soup was creamy and slightly bubbly.

The taste was solid and similar to other tonkotsu ramen shops. However, there was a certain aspect—maybe the richness or something—that caught my attention. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s a respectable tonkotsu ramen, but it lacks the smoothness I’m used to from places like Shin Shin Ramen.

The noodles were thin and really delicious, a personal favorite.

For the second half, I added takana (pickled mustard greens), ginger, and sesame to my ramen to enjoy different flavors as I finished the bowl. While spicy takana is a staple in Hakata ramen, the use of white ginger here instead of the typical red pickled ginger was quite interesting. I also noticed a sauce for extra noodles, which piqued my curiosity.

Small Gyoza (620 yen for 10 pieces)

The bite-sized gyoza were tasty, though I felt they weren’t a necessity. They’re truly one-bite-sized, making them quite easy to devour. At 620 yen, I thought they were a bit pricey.

Who Should Try Ikkousha?

Recommended for those who want to conveniently enjoy Hakata ramen at the airport. Particularly suitable for those who prefer a tonkotsu ramen with a punchy pork bone flavor.

Savor the Irresistible Delights of Hakata Ramen at ShinShin: A Flavorful Review

January 22, 2022August 18, 2023 Miho

I’ve been eating Hakata ramen since I was a kid, and at this point, Shin Shin’s Hakata ramen is my number one choice. I’ve been eating Hakata Ramen since I was a little girl, and at this point, Shin Shin is my number one choice for Hakata Ramen. It’s orthodox Hakata Ramen, but I think Shin Shin is delicious! For those who love Hakata Ramen, I will introduce Shin Shin.

Note: The photo above is shot at the KITTE Hakata branch.

Hakata Ramen Shin Shin Information

1-1 Hakataeki Chuo-gai, Hakata Deitos 2nd floor, Hakata, Fukuoka
+81 92-473-5057
11am – 0am (Sat & Sun 10am – )
42 seats
http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/

Access

There are several stores in Fukuoka City, with the main store located in Tenjin. One of the branches is also located in Hakata Menkaido, in Hakata Station. When I arrive at Hakata Station on the Shinkansen, I often go straight to the restaurant next to the ticket gate of Hakata Station to eat. If you arrive to Fukuoka (Hakata) via Bullet Train, you can visit the restaurant within 5 minutes. Please stop by!

Inside the restaurant

The Hakata Deitos branch has 42 seats at tables. I’m sure the number of seats will change in the future, but when I visit, there is almost no line to get in, but even so, the seats in the restaurant are often quite occupied even when I visit between 3 and 4 pm.

If you have large luggage, you can ask the staff at the entrance of the restaurant to keep it for you, so you don’t have to worry about having a large suitcase.

The menu is, of course, centered around ramen. You can choose the ramen first, and then add fried rice or gyoza to make a set. If you still can’t get enough, you can order a second bowl of noodles (called “Kaedama”), which is a Hakata specialty. If you eat a lot, you can get a ramen set including ramen and fried rice, and if you are a small eater, you can get only ramen to fill up your stomach.

Hakata Shin Shin Ramen (700 Japanese Yen)

It is the simplest Hakata ramen. It is really a royal pork bone ramen. Of course, the noodles are thin. When you order, you will be asked, “How long do you want to boil the noodles? When you order, you will be asked, “How long do you want to boil the noodles? I ask for “balikata (hard)”. When I come back to Fukuoka, this is the first ramen I eat!

Kaedama (150 Japanese Yen)

When you ask for a refill, you will get only noodles on a small plate like the one above. When you order a refill, leave out the ramen soup! Personally, I like to leave the red ginger and other ingredients out of the first bowl of ramen soup, and try to arrange it when the replacement ramen comes.

Fried Rice

Japanese fried rice! That’s what fried rice is called. You can enjoy the Japanese style fried rice, which is different from the fried rice you can get in Chinese restaurants. I love it.

Shin Shin is recommended for these people

In Fukuoka, there are many famous ramen stores that are known for their delicious ramen. All of them have their own individuality, but I think Shin Shin Ramen is pretty close to the basic form. Before trying the various Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, why not try the royal ramen first, and then try the other sub-types?

Savoring Fukuoka’s Best Ramen: Unveiling the Ultimate Noodle Delights

January 21, 2022August 18, 2023 Miho

For those who are planning to visit Fukuoka (Hakata), the home of ramen, I will introduce best ramens. I grew up in Fukuoka and visit Fukuoka every year. If you like ramen, this article is a must to read. Hope you will find an interesting ramen for your trip to Fukuoka.

This article answers to the following questions :
Where is the best place to eat ramen in Fukuoka?

Hakata Ramen ShinShin

This is a popular restaurant in Hakata where you can find moderately good pork bone ramen. I have eaten there many times, and it is really delicious. You can also enjoy the extra-fine noodles that you can’t taste anywhere else. This restaurant is so popular that you can even buy a ramen set at the airport. This popular restaurant is always crowded because it is run by an owner who honed his skills at a food stall. There are several stores in Hakata Station and Tenjin.

Here is my review of Hakata Ramen ShinShin at Hakata Deitos (JR Hakata Station).

Tenjin Head Quarter: 2-19 3-Chome Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata Deitos (JR Hakata Station): 1-1 Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, 2nd floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Kitte Hakata (near JR Hakata Station): 9-1 Chuo-gai, B1 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Sumiyoshi: 5-15 5-Chome Sumiyoshi, 1F, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Website: http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/ (Japanese Only)

Ichiran

It is now a very famous restaurant that can be found all over Japan. However, the main restaurant is in Fukuoka. In Fukuoka, there is a Fukuoka-only menu called “Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen,” which is interesting to try. The restaurant’s design is unique in that each seat has its own curtain, so you can concentrate on the ramen.

The Ramen is served by Japanese traditional bento box. The ramen is very tasty.

Head Quarter (Nakasu) : 3-2 5-Chome Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Tenjin Nishi-dori : 1-57 2-Chome Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Canal City : 2-22, 1-Chome Sumiyoshi, B1 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata Station : 1-1 Hakata-eki Chuo-gai, JR Hakata City 10F, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata (near Hakata Station) : 2-1 2-Chome Hakata Eki Mae, Fukuoka Center Building B2 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Fukuoka Airport : 778-1 Shimo-Usui, 2nd Floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Website : https://en.ichiran.com/index.php (English website)

Ippudo

This is another famous restaurant that can be found all over Japan. The Daimyo main restaurant near Tenjin has a limited menu.

Head Quarter (Tenjin) : 13-14, 1-Chome Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata Station : 1-1 Hakata-Eki Chuo-gai, JR Hakata City 10th Floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)

Hakata Ikkosha

This is a very famous restaurant with more than 60 stores in Japan and overseas. It is called “Awakei (Bubble)” because the surface of the soup is covered with bubbles of fat. The soup is made from the skull, backbone, and bones of a pig, and is quite thick. The Founder “Kosuke Yoshimura” invented this soup in 2004. The homemade thin flat noodles are slightly thin. This is also a very popular restaurant that offers instant ramen sets at the airport.

Head Quarter : 23-12 3-Chome Hakata Eki Mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Fukuoka Airport : 782-1 Shimo-Usui, 3rd floor, Hakata-ku, fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata Daitos (JR Hakata Station) : 1 Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, 2nd floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata Ichiban Gai (Hakata Station) : 1-1- Hakata Eki Chuo-gai, B1 floor, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Website : https://www.ikkousha.com/ (Japanese)

Ramen Jinanbo

A popular ramen restaurant with a moderately rich taste. The noodles are very thin. The noodles are ultra-thin, so even people who don’t like tonkotsu can eat them. In addition to ramen, the main restaurant’s limited menu, Hakata Meat and Meat Rice, is also popular for its delicious taste.

Head Quarter (JR Hakata Station) : 16-4 2-Chome Hakata Eki Mae, Hakata-ku Fukuoka (MAP)
Hakata Oh (Canal City) : 2-22, 1-Chome Sumiyoshi, 5th Floor Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Website : http://www.r-jnb.jp/index.html (Japanese)

Fukuchan Ramen

Although it is located in the suburbs, a short distance from Tenjin and Hakata, it is a popular restaurant loved by the locals who never stop coming. The soup, made by mixing two different concentrations of pork bone soup, is moderately rich. The noodles are between thick and thin. The free chives and kimchi on the table is also a specialty of the restaurant, and is delicious wrapped around chashu pork. In addition, the grilled rice is also popular.

Head Quarter : 24-2, 2-Chome Taguma, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Website : https://www.fukuchan-ramen.com/ (Japanese)

Hakata Issou

The attraction of Hakata Issou is its thick soup. Although it opened late in 2012, it is now a very popular restaurant. The noodles are slightly thinner.

Head Quarter (near JR Hakata Station) : 1-6, 3-Chome Hakataeki-Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (MAP)
Website : http://www.hakata-issou.com/

Summary

We have introduced some of the most popular ramen stores in Fukuoka and Hakata. There are as many ramen stores in Fukuoka as there are Starbucks in New York, but these are the ones that are extremely popular among the locals. Ramen is one of the most popular meals in Fukuoka, and can be enjoyed at lunch, dinner, or even after a night of drinking at an izakaya.