Ramen has won hearts worldwide, transcending its Japanese roots to become a global comfort food. Its appeal lies in the perfect harmony of flavors: rich broth, springy noodles, and customizable toppings. The versatility of ramen allows for endless variations, satisfying diverse palates and preferences. Beyond taste, it embodies warmth and nostalgia, evoking memories of cozy meals with loved ones. Affordable and accessible, ramen is a go-to for students, professionals, and food enthusiasts alike. The communal aspect of slurping noodles in a bustling shop adds to its charm, fostering connection across cultures. This simple yet satisfying dish continues to unite people through the universal language of delicious food.
1. Tenjin Yatai Mune
Location: South end of Tenjin Station, Fukuoka
Description: This unassuming natal kiosk is known for its affordable and delicious ramen. The ramen is topped with thin slices of pork, red pickled ginger, and sesame seeds, and costs only ¥550 per bowl. The broth is rich and flavorful, with sesame seeds adding texture and a nice finish.
Recommended Side Dishes: Mentai Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet with pollock roe), Yaki-ramen (fried ramen).
Review 1: "Tenjin Yatai Mune offers an authentic yatai experience with its rich and flavorful Hakata ramen. The broth is incredibly satisfying, and the sesame seeds add a delightful texture. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Fukuoka's street food culture."
Review 2: "The ramen at Tenjin Yatai Mune is a hidden gem. The thin slices of pork and red pickled ginger perfectly complement the rich broth. At only ¥550 per bowl, it's one of the best deals in the city for such high-quality ramen."
Hours of Operation: Typically open from early evening until early morning (exact hours may vary).
Average Cost: ¥550 per bowl of ramen.
Homepage: Not available.
2. Shin Shin Hakata Ramen
Location: Near Hakata Station, Fukuoka
Description: Highly recommended by locals, Shin Shin offers a diverse menu with an English version available. The plain Hakata ramen costs ¥650, while ramen with chashu (pork slices) costs ¥890. The pork is tender and well-seasoned, complementing the firm noodles. The miso champon, a Nagasaki specialty, is also highly praised. Recommended Side Dishes: Fried Rice, Gyoza.
Review 1: "Shin Shin Ramen was my absolute favorite during my trip to Fukuoka. The broth was rich, moderately creamy, and full of umami. The thin noodles were perfectly cooked, and the tender pork slices were a delight. I ended up visiting three times during my short stay!"
Review 2: "The best thing about Shin Shin's ramen is the broth – it's rich and flavorful without being too oily. The thin, firm noodles and tender char siu make for an addictive bowl of ramen. It's no wonder there's always a line, but it's definitely worth the wait."
Hours of Operation:
Tenjin Main Store: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun), Closed Wed.
Hakata Menkaido: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Sat-Sun). Average Cost: ¥650 for plain Hakata ramen, ¥890 for ramen with chashu.
Homepage: http://www.hakata-shinshin.com/
3. Hakata Issou
Location: Near Hakata Station and Nakasu, Fukuoka
Description: Hakata Issou is famous for its frothy Hakata ramen, which uses premium local pork and firm noodles topped with seaweed, pork belly, and green onions. The broth is creamy, cloudy, and rich, with a subtle bitter aftertaste that balances the umami flavor.
Recommended Side Dishes: Gyoza.
Review 1: "Hakata Issou serves one of the best bowls of tonkotsu ramen I've ever had. The ultra-thick broth is rich and creamy, and the thin-cut noodles absorb the flavor perfectly. It's a must-try for any ramen lover visiting Fukuoka."
Review 2: "The frothy tonkotsu broth at Hakata Issou is simply unforgettable. The rich, creamy soup paired with the tender pork and firm noodles makes for an exceptional dining experience. It's no surprise that this place is a local favorite."
Hours of Operation:Main Branch: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
Nakasu Branch: 7:00 PM – 4:30 AM.
Gion Branch: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
Average Cost: ¥650 per bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
Homepage: http://www.hakata-issou.com/
4. Ramen Stadium
Location: Fifth floor of Canal City Mall, Fukuoka
Description: Ramen Stadium is a complex of eight ramen shops, with Shodai Hidechan being the most prominent. Shodai Hidechan specializes in pork neck broth, and customers can choose from various toppings such as pork belly, neck cuts, and eggs. The gyoza (dumplings) here are also highly recommended.
Recommended Side Dishes: Varies by stall, but gyoza is a common favorite.
Review 1: "Ramen Stadium is a paradise for ramen lovers. With eight different ramen shops to choose from, you can sample a variety of styles from all over Japan. The atmosphere is lively, and the ramen is consistently delicious. A must-visit when in Fukuoka."
Review 2: "Located on the fifth floor of Canal City, Ramen Stadium offers a unique opportunity to try different regional ramen styles in one place. The variety and quality of the ramen here are outstanding, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists." Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Average Cost: ¥750+ per bowl (varies by stall).
Homepage: https://www.japan.travel/en/sg/guide/fukuoka-ramen-stadium/
5. Ichiran Main Shop and Ichiran Forest
Location: Heart of Fukuoka City and Ichiran Forest
Description: Ichiran is a well-known ramen chain with 65 locations worldwide. The main shop in Fukuoka features a lane of yatai-style dining, while Ichiran Forest includes a tonkotsu ramen factory and museum. Ichiran is famous for its low-interaction, private dining setup, and consistent quality across its branches. Recommended Side Dishes: Premium Yakibuta (smoky marinated pork), Soft Boiled Egg.
Review 1: "Ichiran's main shop in Fukuoka offers an unparalleled ramen experience. The private dining booths and customizable options make it a unique and enjoyable visit. The tonkotsu broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. A must-visit for any ramen enthusiast."
Review 2: "Ichiran Forest is a fantastic place to learn about the history of tonkotsu ramen while enjoying a delicious bowl. The broth is consistently rich and creamy, and the private dining setup adds to the overall experience. It's a must-visit for anyone in Fukuoka."
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours.
Average Cost: ¥980 for a basic bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
Homepage: https://en.ichiran.com/index.php
6. Shodai Hidechan (within Ramen Stadium)
Location: Canal City Mall, Fukuoka
Description: Shodai Hidechan is known for its pork neck broth and customizable toppings. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a smoky taste. The gyoza served here are smaller but tastier than usual, adding to the overall dining experience. Recommended Side Dishes: Gyoza.
Review 1: "Shodai Hidechan's pork neck broth is incredibly flavorful and rich. The tender pork slices and fresh sprouts add a delightful texture to the ramen. It's one of the standout shops in Ramen Stadium and definitely worth a visit."
Review 2: "The ramen at Shodai Hidechan is a perfect blend of rich broth and tender meat. The pork neck slices are divine, and the overall flavor is well-balanced. It's a great place to enjoy a hearty bowl of ramen in Ramen Stadium."
Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (same as Ramen Stadium).
Average Cost: ¥750+ per bowl (varies by stall).
Homepage: https://www.japan.travel/en/sg/guide/fukuoka-ramen-stadium/
7. Ippudo
Location: Multiple locations in Fukuoka, including the original store in Daimyo, Hakata Station, and Yakuin branch.
Description: Ippudo, founded in 1985 by Shigemi Kawahara in Fukuoka's Daimyo district, is one of the most famous ramen chains in Japan and has expanded globally. The chain is renowned for its tonkotsu ramen, particularly the Shiromaru Motoaji and Akamaru Shinaji varieties. The Shiromaru Motoaji features a creamy, silky tonkotsu pork broth with ultra-thin noodles, while the Akamaru Shinaji includes a spicy miso paste and garlic oil for a richer flavor.
Recommended Side Dishes: Gyoza, Rice with Ramen Soup.
Review 1: "Ippudo's Shiromaru Motoaji is a classic tonkotsu ramen that never disappoints. The creamy broth and thin noodles are perfectly complemented by the tender pork belly. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Fukuoka."
Review 2: "The Akamaru Shinaji at Ippudo is a modern take on tonkotsu ramen, with a rich, spicy broth that is incredibly satisfying. The noodles are firm and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. Ippudo is a must-visit for any ramen lover."
Hours of Operation: Varies by location, typically 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Average Cost: ¥820 for Shiromaru Motoaji, ¥890 for Akamaru Shinaji.
Homepage: https://www.ippudo.com/
