Local Guide
5 recommended "Kumamoto Ramen" restaurants you must try in Kumamoto City

The moment the bowl is served, the aroma of garlic rises, instantly increasing your appetite. Kumamoto ramen, which has a different history of development from Hakata ramen, is one of Kyushu's leading tonkotsu ramen. It is characterized by a strong garlic accent, and the soup preparation method, type of noodles, toppings, etc. vary from shop to shop. It's fun to enjoy the differences. It's soul food that has spread mainly in Kumamoto City, so why not go on a ramen shop tour in search of a bowl that is loved by the locals? We will introduce 5 famous shops that are highly popular among locals.

There are many different types of tonkotsu ramen cultures rooted in Kyushu, and Kumamoto ramen is one of them. Tonkotsu ramen was introduced from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, via Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to Kumamoto City, where it developed independently from the late 1940s. Behind this development and evolution is said to be the achievements of three craftsmen, including the founder of the popular shop "Komurasaki," which is still open today in the Kamitori Arcade in the center of Kumamoto City.
Kumamoto ramen soup is made with a pork bone base and many restaurants add chicken bones, giving it a mild flavor with less of a strong taste. The noodles are medium-thick and the main features are the garlic that is used in various ways, such as fried, stir-fried, or with burnt garlic oil (ma-yu), as well as toppings such as roasted pork and wood ear mushrooms.
By the way, while extra noodles are a common option with Hakata ramen, they are generally not available with Kumamoto ramen.

A very popular, high-value ramen among locals that will leave you feeling more satisfied than you would expect for the price.

"Kumamoto Ramen" 580 yen. Classic toppings such as roasted pork and wood ear mushrooms decorate the bowl.
"Kumamoto Ramen" 580 yen. Classic toppings such as roasted pork and wood ear mushrooms decorate the bowl.

Located along Ueno Ura-dori Street, where trendy shops and popular restaurants line the street, this white-walled storehouse catches your eye because at first glance it doesn't look like a ramen shop.
The signature dish, Kumamoto Ramen, is characterized by its rich, creamy soup, made by slowly simmering domestic pork knuckles and backbones. Unusually for Kumamoto ramen, the noodles are straight and thin, and the rich, flavorful soup goes perfectly with them. The lightness of the noodles makes you want to keep eating them. The savory aroma of the burnt garlic oil really whets your appetite. Another reason for its popularity is the high value, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste for just 580 yen.

The snacks are also reasonably priced. In the evening, the restaurant also serves ramen as an izakaya.

During the day, such as lunchtime, the restaurant is popular with families, while later in the day, it's popular with people coming to have ramen as a final dish.
During the day, such as lunchtime, the restaurant is popular with families, while later in the day, it's popular with people coming to have ramen as a final dish.

In addition to the standard "Kumamoto Ramen," there are other unique menu items such as the "Super Spicy Red Ramen," which can be chosen up to three times spicier, and the "Curry Ramen," which uses curly noodles.
There are also a wide variety of other snacks that go well with alcohol, such as gyoza, fried salted offal, and vinegared offal, all reasonably priced from around 300 yen. You can enjoy some drinks and snacks, and finish off with some ramen, so it's perfect for when you want a quick dinner.

Comments Local Guide
This shop is said to have the best value for money. It is rare for a ramen shop in Kumamoto, but it offers extra noodles, which is a great thing for ramen lovers. There is also a wide selection of snacks on the menu, so it is also recommended for a quick drink.
Ramen Red Team
  • URLhttps://www.akagumi.jp
  • 住所7-29 Kamitorimachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes walk from the tram stop "Torimachisuji" or "Suidocho"
  • 営業時間11:00-23:30 (last orders 23:00), Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays - 24:00 (last orders 23:30)
  • 定休日January 1, December 31
  • TEL096-325-8766
  • 駐車場None

A one-of-a-kind deliciousness. Ramen with egg topped with fresh and rich egg yolk

"Egg Ramen" is 1,050 yen. You can choose between two egg yolks or a soft-boiled seasoned egg as a topping. A large serving is 1,300 yen.
"Egg Ramen" is 1,050 yen. You can choose between two egg yolks or a soft-boiled seasoned egg as a topping. A large serving is 1,300 yen.

The restaurant was founded in 1957 after the founder trained at Komurasaki, one of the ramen shops that originated in Kumamoto. Even today, they continue to serve the traditional, gentle, homemade flavor. The basic soup is made by boiling a large amount of low-fat pig skulls, giving it a light yet rich flavor. The homemade medium-thick noodles are made with carefully selected flour, with a focus on a smooth and chewy texture.
The second generation owner loved eggs, so the "Ramen with Egg" was created and is now a signature dish. If you mix the egg and noodles together, you will experience a unique taste.

The secret to deliciousness is our passion for homemade food

The interior is bright and simple, with a white base. After entering the restaurant, you can purchase a meal ticket from the ticket machine.
The interior is bright and simple, with a white base. After entering the restaurant, you can purchase a meal ticket from the ticket machine.

With the belief that no effort is spared for the sake of deliciousness, everything from the soup to the roasted garlic oil, noodles, and char siu pork is homemade. Nowadays, many tourists from both within Japan and overseas visit in search of that taste. They also sell bottled ramen as souvenirs and roasted garlic oil, the recipe of which is only known to a select few craftsmen in the company. It has been well received, as it allows customers to enjoy the taste of the restaurant at home.
They continue to improve and research their products on a daily basis, and perhaps the reason their taste has remained unchanged since ancient times is due to their passion for research.

Comments Local Guide
It opens at 10:30 in the morning, so it's also recommended for an early lunch. There is also a wide selection of souvenirs, so you can take home some delicious memories.
Kurotei Shimotori branch
  • URLhttps://www.kokutei.co.jp
  • 住所Noguchi Building, 1st basement floor, 1-7-14 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto CityMAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間10:30-21:00 (LO 20:30), Saturdays - 23:30 (LO 23:00)
  • 定休日Wednesday
  • TEL096-321-6202
  • 駐車場None

One of the birthplaces of Kumamoto ramen. A bowl of ramen with a refreshing flavor

The standard "Osama Ramen" is 800 yen. The noodles are boiled thoroughly to ensure a perfect match with the soup.
The standard "Osama Ramen" is 800 yen. The noodles are boiled thoroughly to ensure a perfect match with the soup.

Founded in 1954, this long-established ramen shop can be said to be the origin of Kumamoto ramen. The soup is made by slowly simmering chicken carcasses and vegetables in a pork bone base. By carefully removing excess fat and scum, the ramen has a strong flavor, but is also clean and free of impurities. As it has little of the distinctive pork bone flavor, it is loved by people of all ages.
Kumamoto ramen is characterized by its use of two types of garlic, fried and roasted. The soup, which is rich in garlic flavor, is mixed with the slightly thin homemade noodles, creating an exquisite harmony with every bite.

The Showa-era atmosphere of the space adds a nice accent to the delicious food.

In addition to counter and table seats, there is also a raised tatami room in the back.
In addition to counter and table seats, there is also a raised tatami room in the back.

The store moved to its current location three years after it first opened. The well-maintained interior is filled with traces of the good old Showa era, conveying the atmosphere of the time it first opened.
Looking at the menu, there are some unique dishes such as "natto ramen", "pizza-style ramen" with cheese, and "tankeimen" made with chicken bones. While it is a long-established restaurant that has continued to protect its traditions, its attitude of continuing to challenge itself with new deliciousness may further develop the history and culture of Kumamoto ramen.

Comments Local Guide
This ramen shop is said to be the oldest in Kumamoto City. The owner is very attentive and will tell you in a friendly manner, "I opened this shop back when ramen was called Shina Soba."
Komurasaki
  • URLhttp://komurasaki.com
  • 住所8-16 Kamitorimachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間11:00-16:00 (LO 15:30), 18:00-22:00 (LO 21:30)
  • 定休日New year holiday season
  • TEL096-325-8972
  • 駐車場None

Born in Kumamoto, raised around the world. A leading figure in the Kumamoto ramen world breaks new ground

The classic "Ajisen Ramen" is 860 yen. There is also a "Reproduction Ramen" that recreates the original taste from when the restaurant first opened for 900 yen.
The classic "Ajisen Ramen" is 860 yen. There is also a "Reproduction Ramen" that recreates the original taste from when the restaurant first opened for 900 yen.

Ajisen Ramen is a ramen shop that started out in a small 23m2 store in 1968 (Showa 43). The standard menu item, Ajisen Ramen, is a gem of a bowl that combines chewy medium-thick noodles with a fragrant pork bone soup made with secret Senmi oil and the aroma of fried garlic chips. Today, the dish is not only popular in Kumamoto, but has become a beloved dish at over 700 stores in 14 countries around the world. In April 2023, Ajisen World opened, importing popular menu items from around the world.

You can enjoy ramen that has been popular in restaurants around the world, including China and Italy.

Due to the location, there are many foreign Guest/customer, so each seat is equipped with a tablet for ordering.
Due to the location, there are many foreign Guest/customer, so each seat is equipped with a tablet for ordering.

In addition to Kumamoto ramen, there are many international ramen varieties on offer, such as "Spicy Beef Ramen" from China, "Volcano Ramen" from Singapore, and "Tomato Ramen" from Italy. The authentic flavors that can only be provided by a company that has continued to make ramen in countries around the world are popular with locals.
Other dishes unique to Kumamoto include the local dish "Tai Ping Yen" and "Akagyu Gyoza" made with Kumamoto Prefecture's Akagyu beef. This big newcomer in the ramen world attracts people of all ages and genders from all over the world.

Comments Local Guide
The recommended dish is the "Tom Yum Ramen" topped with a whole shrimp. The coriander and green lemon go perfectly with the sour soup. The restaurant is located on the second floor of "HAB@", the same building as "OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts".
Ajisen World

Even more delicious after drinking. Light ramen loved by locals

"Ramen" 900 yen. To finish, sprinkle roasted garlic generously over the noodles until they are no longer visible.
"Ramen" 900 yen. To finish, sprinkle roasted garlic generously over the noodles until they are no longer visible.

This popular restaurant is hugely popular among locals as the "ramen to finish off a night of drinking." The main store was originally located in the downtown area of Kumamoto City, but will be relocating to the neighboring town of Kikuyo in 2022. However, you can still enjoy the ramen at the Kumamoto Station store, which opened in 2019, and is always bustling with locals and tourists.
The ramen has a double soup made from pork bones and chicken bones. The pork bone soup has been simmered since the restaurant first opened, and fresh pork bone and chicken soup simmered that day is added to create an excellent balance of flavor. The result is a bowl with a clean aftertaste that makes you want to finish off your meal.

Conveniently located in the Kumamoto Station building. The convenience of being able to drop in quickly also boosts its popularity.

The shop has only 13 seats at the counter. On the tables are pickled garlic and pickled ginger for the ramen.
The shop has only 13 seats at the counter. On the tables are pickled garlic and pickled ginger for the ramen.

The store is located inside a station building, so there are always customers there even outside peak hours. There are no doors between the stores, giving it an open atmosphere, making it easy to drop in.
It has long been supported as the final destination for alcohol lovers. A bowl of ramen topped with a generous sprinkling of roasted garlic gives off a fragrant aroma, and is delicious enough to seep into your every last fiber after a night of drinking. Why not try the flavors of this popular restaurant that needs no introduction to locals for lunch, dinner, or as a way to end the day?

Comments Local Guide
Topping it with grilled dried seaweed doubles the flavor with a synergistic effect. The Kumamoto Station store is located in the station's commercial Property, "Higo Yokamon Market," and there are several ramen shops nearby, so it's also recommended to go on a food tour.
Tengaiten Kumamoto Station

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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