Pittabi

Travel Blog

Tag: Restaurant

Exploring Fukuoka’s Culinary Delights: Kawatarou in Nakasu, Fukuoka

Miho

When it comes to Fukuoka, Motsunabe (offal hot pot) and Hakata Ramen are widely known. However, did you know that you can also savor the deliciousness of fresh squid from neighboring Saga Prefecture, in a town called Yobuko? The first time I tried Yobuko squid, I was taken aback by its incredible taste. The experience was so delightful that I exclaimed, “Is this really squid?!”

In Fukuoka, two well-established restaurants, “Manbou” and “Kawatarou,” offer the chance to enjoy Yobuko squid. In this article, we will introduce you to Kawatarou’s Nakasu Main Store. A note for readers: Once you’ve savored the freshness of Yobuko squid, supermarket squid might not satisfy you anymore.

Kawatarou in Fukuoka: Basic Information and Access

  • Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0801, Japan
  • Phone: 092-271-2133
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM – 2:30 PM (11:45 AM on weekends) and 5 PM – 11 PM (Sundays until 10:30 PM)
  • Closed: Obon and New Year holidays
  • Official Website: http://www.kawatarou.jp/

Accessing Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store in Fukuoka

Nakasu is conveniently situated between Fukuoka Tenjin Station and Hakata Station, both about a 10-minute walk away. While you’ll need to stroll through Nakasu’s nightlife area to get there, the riverside route should have fewer solicitors. Right behind Nakasu Main Store is a shopping mall called Canal City, providing an opportunity to enjoy shopping before or after lunch or dinner. At night, you’ll find food stalls lining up next to Nakasu Main Store, making it a perfect place for a drink or two.

Atmosphere and Ambience of Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store in Fukuoka

We were seated at a counter surrounding a pool for live seafood, right near the entrance. The counter seats are arranged around the pool, creating a unique dining experience.

Inside the pool, various types of squid and fish were swimming around. Watching the squid in the pool is entertaining on its own. The squid’s colors change momentarily, and they can suddenly turn bright red. Even adults can enjoy observing this fascinating sight.

Next to the counter seats, you can also see the cooking area, where the squid caught from the pool is prepared. It’s quite enjoyable to witness the cooking process right before your eyes.

Lunch Menu at Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store and Personal Impressions

The lunch menu features three main courses, all with prices excluding tax:

  1. Ika Ikizukuri Teishoku (Fresh Squid Sashimi Set) (2,400 yen or large for 2,800 yen)
  2. Kawatarou Gozen (Special Set) (4,500 yen)

The availability of the large course depends on the day’s squid supply. We ordered the “Fresh Squid Sashimi Set (2,400 yen)” this time.

Mozuku

It’s ordinary seaweed, and while it’s tasty, it doesn’t offer any surprises.

Squid Sashimi

The photo shows a two-person serving (300 grams) of squid sashimi. The squid’s tentacles were still moving! While it felt a bit apologetic to eat while the squid watched us, we enjoyed the delicacy very much. Apologies to the squid for being rather cruel. The squid sashimi is colorless due to its freshness! The taste lacks the sliminess typical of squid, making it easy to eat without hesitation. With time, the color of the squid sashimi turns white. While the sashimi itself was delicious, the squid we had in Yobuko was chewier and more translucent in my memory.

Squid Tempura

The lower part of the squid that wasn’t used for sashimi is prepared as tempura. You can enjoy it with nori salt or tempura dipping sauce, but I recommend nori salt. This is simply delicious! Even my husband, who joined me, praised its flavor. It had a pleasant crunchiness and was truly delectable.

Squid Dumplings, Rice, Miso Soup, Simmered Dish, Pickles

The specialty, squid dumplings, was included with only one piece. The squid dumplings are tender and offer a full taste of squid sweetness. They were also quite delicious.

Good News for Those Unable to Visit Fukuoka! You can actually purchase the renowned squid dumplings from “Manbou,” which is equally famous for its squid, on Rakuten or Amazon Japan. I’ve personally tried “Manbou” squid dumplings, and I can assure you that they are equally delicious.

Manbou Squid Dumplings (Go to Amazon Japan)

Dessert

Jelly with orange slices was served. Personally, it wasn’t to my liking, but my husband enjoyed it and finished it quickly, suggesting individual preferences may vary.

Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store in Fukuoka is Recommended for

To be honest, I felt that enjoying fresh squid sashimi in Yobuko, Saga, might be more rewarding. However, as traveling to Yobuko takes about an hour, Kawatarou in Nakasu, Fukuoka is recommended for those seeking convenience without sacrificing the chance to savor squid. If you’re determined to indulge in the freshest squid, I suggest taking the subway and a bus to Yobuko.

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

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.

一幸舎

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.

一幸舎

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.

一幸舎

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.

一幸舎

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.

一幸舎

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.

一幸舎

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.

Exploring Fukuoka’s Motsunabe Scene: My Visit to Rakutenchi in Tenjin

Miho

Hey there, I’m Mirin from Fukuoka! So, I’m from Fukuoka, but I’ve only had motsunabe like twice before, you know? Anyway, since motsunabe is one of the famous dishes in Hakata, I went to this well-known motsunabe restaurant called “Rakutenchi” in Tenjin. My thoughts after trying it? “Delicious, the champon noodles are great too. But I’d like to try motsunabe from other places.”

Basic Info

  • Address: 1F, 1-58 Daimyo 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 810-0041
  • Phone: 092-717-5002
  • Official Website: https://rakutenti.com/

Getting to the Original Motsunabe “Rakutenchi”

楽天地

The Tenjin Nishidori branch is super close to Tenjin Station! Just about a 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station. It’s along a big street in Tenjin called “Nishidori.”

Since there’s a lot of traffic and foot traffic around the Nishidori area, I wouldn’t really recommend driving. The parking spaces are limited, so public transportation is way more convenient.

If you see a sign with a wood pattern like the one in the picture above on Nishidori, that’s the motsunabe place you’re looking for.

Inside Atmosphere of “Rakutenchi”

楽天地

It’s got a small entrance that’s easy to spot from the front, but if you’re just strolling along Nishidori, you might miss it if you’re not paying attention.

When I visited around 3 PM on a weekday, there were only a few customers, just us. It was perfect for the COVID era with only one staff member.

The first floor had counter seats, if I remember correctly. The second floor had table seats.

We got seated on the middle level when we entered. The middle level had a mix of table and counter seats.

楽天地

Table seats were along the walls. The place itself didn’t seem that new, and the interior had a slightly worn look. Honestly, I expected it to be a bit more well-maintained, so I was a bit disappointed. I’ve been to other motsunabe places that were quite messy, so I wondered if motsunabe places tend to show wear and tear easily.

楽天地

Menu and Thoughts on the Original Motsunabe “Rakutenchi”

We ordered from the lunch menu since we were there during lunchtime. For 1,480 yen, enjoying motsunabe sounds pretty affordable.

楽天地

The regular menu seemed like the one below. Lunchtime is definitely a good deal.

楽天地

First came the vinegar-seasoned motsu. It had just the right tanginess and a refreshing aftertaste. I really enjoyed it. I’d totally have it again!

楽天地　酢モツ

Then, the motsunabe appeared. Lots of leeks piled in a metal pot. I got excited seeing this huge pile. A calm server put the pot on a burner and lit it for us. They told us to wait until the vegetables got soft.

楽天地

During that time, I went downstairs to grab some condiments. There were things like yuzu and mentaiko lined up. I tried them with the food, but I actually liked the original flavor without condiments.

楽天地

After about 5-10 minutes, the server came and lowered the flame. The leeks got quite soft, and when the leek mountain got lower, it was time to eat.

The steam was so intense that my phone’s camera even fogged up.

楽天地

The soup was soy-based. It had leeks, cabbage, tofu, and motsu, with a spicy kick. It was pretty darn tasty. Despite the huge pile, two adults polished it off in no time. It was delicious, but it didn’t bring out any special excitement. It felt like a normal motsunabe. What’s up with that feeling?

When the ingredients were nearly gone, we summoned the server to add noodles.

楽天地

After a few minutes, the noodles turned out really well, all slippery and yummy.

楽天地

We cracked an egg onto the plate and dipped the noodles in the beaten egg to enjoy champon. The champon noodles were quite tasty as well.

楽天地

My actual thoughts after eating? It’s good, but when it comes to having the same motsunabe again, I felt a bit uncertain. Motsunabe itself is tasty, so next time, I want to try motsunabe from other places. I thought motsunabe would be a more mind-blowing dish. Maybe I had too high expectations. My family who went with me said the same thing, so I’m going to continue my quest for the ultimate motsunabe experience.

Who Should Try the Original Motsunabe “Rakutenchi”?

“Rakutenchi” is a famous motsunabe spot. There are several branches in Fukuoka’s downtown area “Tenjin,” so it’s easily accessible. If you want to enjoy motsunabe without making a reservation and just feel like having it easily, this is a great recommendation.

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

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.

Menu

Shin Shin Ramen Menu

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)

Hakata Ramen ShinShin

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)

博多Shin Shinラーメン　替え玉

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

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

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

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.

Ichiran 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.

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.

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.

Exploring the Finest Japanese Markets in the Bay Area: A Food Lover’s Guide

Miho

In Bay Area, we have a lot of Japanese restaurants because we have many Japanese immigrants. I would say this is one of best areas to enjoy Japanese food except for Japan!

In this article, I will introduce authentic Japanese restaurants recommended by Japanese people in the Bay Area. This list does not include San Francisco downtown.

Set Meal: Gombei

Set Meal: Gombei

The first time I ate at Gombei, the croquettes tasted like home and reminded me of the taste of my mom’s food in Japan. I think the owner is Japanese, but the chefs who actually makes the food are Mexican. However, the taste is real. It’s really delicious. Please enjoy daily meals which Japanese really eat every day.

  • 193 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
  • +14082794311
  • http://gombei.com/

Izakaya: Gochi

Izakaya: Gochi

Izakaya restaurant. It is very popular among Japanese people as a restaurant where you cannot get a reservation. How popular? I will give you an example. My Japanese friend of mine who lives in Washington DC likes it so much that he requested to go to Gochi whenever he comes to California. I recommend this restaurant for its delicious Japanese Izakaya menu.

Yakitori: Kokko

Yakitori restaurant. It’s a restaurant where you can’t usually get reservations & there’s usually a huge line. It’s a bit expensive. However the yakitori is so authentic that you’ll feel like you’re in Japan. We paid around $100 for two people. Definitely it worth visiting.

  • 509 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
  • +16504017008

Course Meal: Wakuriya

A small, family-run restaurant that has also won the Michelin Star. The food is not cheap, and the portions are not very large. However, the quality of the food is so delicate. I ate there only once, and the experience is unforgettable! I still remember that the rice was flavored with green tea, which surprised even Japanese people and introduced me to a new kind of Japanese food. If you are very picky for food, this is the restaurant you need to visit.

  • 115 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402
  • +16502860410
  • http://www.wakuriya.com/

Ramen: Santouka

Ramen: Santouka

Ramen Santouka is located in the Mitsuwa supermarket in Cupertino. You can enjoy delicious ramen of Japanese quality. A bowl of ramen alone costs from $10. There is always a huge line. One important thing is you must pay in cash, so don’t forget to bring cash. The taste is really good, but the only downside is that the place to eat is not very comfortable. This is because it is located in a food court inside a supermarket. If you want to have a relaxed meal with friends, Orenchi Ramen is a better choice.

  • 675 Saratoga Avenue #103 Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, San Jose, CA 95129
  • +14084461101

Ramen: Orenchi Ramen

Ramen: Orenchi Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen with thick noodles. As someone who grew up in Fukuoka (Hakata), thick pork bone noodles are a little strange to me, but the soup and noodles are delicious. Authentic. I took my friends there and they raved about it. Because it is a delicious ramen restaurant, it is quite popular not only among Japanese but also among local Asian Americans, and there is always a line. The drawback is that you have to wait at least 30 minutes.

Japanese Cream Puffs: Beard Papa

Here is a rare place where you can eat Japanese cream puffs, Beard Papa. When you go to urban areas in Japan, you can find Beard Papa everywhere. This is because the cream puff chain is very popular in Japan. Fortunately you will find it in the Bay Area. Comparing to Japanese one, the puff pastry is a bit smaller and more expensive than the Japanese ones. However the taste is same. The crispy outer crust is really delicious.

  • 19748 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014
  • +14089962300

Summary

Japanese food is not only Sushi and Ramen. We have more! In this article I have introduced my favorite Japanese restaurants. Hope you will enjoy my recommendations.