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Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations. This time, instead of going to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, I visited Fukuoka for the first time. Fukuoka is located in the north and is the capital of Kyushu. Hotel recommendations include staying in the Hakata or Tenjin neighborhoods, which are popular areas near shopping complexes, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Each region in Japan has a distinct culinary culture, beginning with Mentaiko, Fukuoka's flagship product, and continuing with Yatai, a well-known street food concept that only exists in Fukuoka, and Fukuoka is the birthplace of famous ramen such as Ichiran, Hakata Ikkousha, and many others. Let me tell you about my ramen culinary journey in Fukuoka.
1. Shin Shin
I was unable to check into my hotel the early morning I arrived in Fukuoka, so I left my suitcase with the receptionist. Since I was in the Tenjin neighborhood, I immediately sought an intriguing culinary place for breakfast. Near the hotel, there was a reasonably long line in front of the ramen store. Shin Shin is a well-known ramen store among Japanese people; everyone from ordinary people to numerous Japanese artists and public celebrities has visited, and their signatures can be seen on the store's walls. My favorite ramen is the required classic, Hakata Shin Shin Ramen (JPY 1,020), which has a savory broth flavor and thin and soft noodles. The delicate pork slices are ideal. You can also try Yakisoba (JPY 940), which is quite tasty. Japanese fried soba with a wetter texture. The serving is pretty huge, with a fragrant wok scent; the savory flavor is more intense and irresistible.
2. Hakata Ikkousha
It is true that this ramen is famous all over the world; nonetheless, it does originate in Fukuoka. One of the stores is near Hakata Station, making it easily accessible. Even around dinnertime, the queue is not too long. The primary menu item, Ajitama Ramen (JPY 1,100), has a less outstanding taste than other ramen in Fukuoka. The soup is unpleasant and too watery, and the noodles are too stiff, even for the "Yawa" soft noodle option. There is also Red Tonkotsu Ramen, which has a spicy flavor. The garlic flavor was overbearing, and the medium noodles I tried were even tougher. The gyoza is similarly underwhelming, with its diminutive size and bland flavor. Despite its popularity, this brand's quality does not always live up to expectations.
3. Ichiran
This is also one of the most popular ramen in Japan, and its instant packaging is available in supermarkets worldwide. Ichiran's headquarters are also in Fukuoka, and they resemble a tall structure tower with the company's trademark green, red, and black colors. The conditions are quite packed at dinnertime, but don't worry because the seating capacity is huge, and the wait moves quickly. The principle is the same as in other Ichiran stores: we order through the machine and pay instantly. Then each guest will sit in their designated seats with partitions for each table, here only the tonkotsu ramen menu is available, which is Ichiran's primary menu with various size selections. The soup tastes fine, but the garlic flavor is fairly strong in comparison to the broth. The noodles, in my opinion, are among the best, particularly the "yawa" soft noodle. The special is a distinct red sauce that complements the flavor of the ramen. And, as far as I remember, the taste of Ichiran here is better than the branch in Osaka that I previously visited.
4. Sanmi Ramen Hakata Stadium
Quite a different ramen option. If you generally eat tonkotsu ramen, try this tomato ramen that became viral a while back. The location is in Hakata Old Canal City, which is a well-known shopping mall in Fukuoka. At night, it appears calm, and we order the menu from the machine in front. The primary menu has tomato ramen with options ranging from pork to offal. The tomato-based soup tastes odd and lacks richness. With many garnishes, including celery and spinach. Once again, I think this ramen is less spectacular; the weird flavor is similar to eating noodles in tomato soup. If you're intrigued, trying a new ramen can be an interesting, unique experience.
5. Hakata Genki Ippai
Still about ramen, because Fukuoka produces practically all popular ramen. The position is a little further from the city center, yet it is easily accessible thanks to adequate public transit. There was no line at dinnertime, and it was relatively calm. The modest capacity area barely accommodated two groups of tourists. The tonkotsu ramen here is particularly unique; the soup is extremely thick, and the scent is intense. A delicious flavor with thick and generous chunks of pork. The main aroma of pork broth is rather overpowering for me, but if you love pork, this ramen is ideal. It may be an appealing choice for individuals who dislike waiting in line.
6. Ippudo
You must be familiar with this ramen, which turns out to be Fukuoka's original. Even though I've been eating ramen for days, it feels incomplete without trying this. There is no long line, however visitors are packed during lunchtime. Honten Shiromaru (JPY 1,420) is also suggested for tonkotsu ramen; the flavorful broth is just right and not overly rich. The noodles are not my favorite, but they are rather nice and have a soft texture. Ippudo is one of the recommended restaurants in Fukuoka for ramen lovers. You can also order ginger, pickles, or complimentary seaweed.
Every ramen store, even those with the same Tonkotsu ramen menu, has its own distinct identity. The broth flavor, noodle texture, and sliced pork all contributed to the overall experience. Shin Shin is my favorite because the broth has the perfect savory flavor, and the noodles are supple. Not only does ramen soup taste great, but so does yaki ramen, which are Japanese fried noodles that are somewhat damp and taste savory and smoky. For all ramen shops with tiny capacity and conventional Japanese service, the dish is always provided swiftly.
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