Where to Find the Best Ramen in Osaka
If you're a ramen enthusiast planning a trip to Osaka, Japan, you're in for a treat. Osaka is a food lover's paradise, and it's particularly famous for its delicious ramen offerings. Osaka has everything from rich and savory tonkatsu to lighter and refreshing shoyu broth.
From miso ramen with its thick, umami-rich soup to the classic shoyu ramen, every bowl is a signature dish in its own right. This article is a guide for ramen fans and newcomers alike to navigate the bustling streets of Osaka and find the perfect bowl of ramen.
To help you make the most of your ramen adventure, we've compiled a list of the best ramen spots in this vibrant city.
Embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Osaka's vibrant street food scene.
Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya
Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya, also known as "The Most Deserted Ramen Bar in the World," is a hidden gem in the heart of Osaka. This ramen shop is a favorite among locals for its flavorful and satisfying bowls of ramen.
It is known for its rich, creamy tonkotsu broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya also offers a famous garlic-flavored ramen variation, which is highly recommended for those who enjoy a deeper, more robust flavor.
Ramen Yashichi
Ramen Yashichi, a revered spot in Osaka's ramen scene, opened its doors in Tokyo before moving to Osaka in 2004. This restaurant has gained popularity for its signature Shoyu Ramen, characterized by a flavorful boiled chicken soup.
It prides itself on serving homemade firm noodles, a staple in their dishes. Additionally, Ramen Yashichi offers a unique menu featuring distinctive toppings like shredded onions that add a crispy twist to their ramen.
Muteppou Osaka
Muteppou Osaka is a renowned ramen restaurant famous for attracting long queues of customers. It stands out for its diverse selection of ramen dishes, which include a Tonkotsu Ramen known for its rich soup made solely from pork bones.
The restaurant also offers a distinctive Shoyu Ramen, notable for its fish dashi, a specialty unique to Osaka. Additionally, Muteppou allows customers to personalize their ramen experience with the W Soup Ramen, where they can mix different soups to their liking.
Immerse yourself in the tantalizing flavors and culinary traditions of the vibrant Namba district.
Kadoya Shokudo
Kadoya Shokudo is a restaurant renowned for its soy sauce-based ramen that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The noodles served here are flat and straight, known for their smooth and supple texture.
The ramen soup is a richly aromatic blend of chicken, pork, and seafood dashi. Additionally, the dish can be elevated with succulent Kagoshima Kurobuta char siu and an abundance of white spring onions for added flavor.
Ramen Style Junk Story
Ramen Style Junk Story is a distinguished restaurant in Osaka that has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. This eatery stands out for its unique blend of ramen and soba dishes, attracting diners with its distinctive and flavorful offerings.
Marked by a prominent sign, the restaurant is easy to locate and invites guests to enjoy a range of tasty toppings. It is mainly celebrated for having one of the best broths in Osaka, a critical factor in its acclaim.
Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori
Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori is a prominent ramen chain in Osaka, renowned for its focused menu primarily features Tonkotsu and Chashu ramen varieties. Particularly popular among tourists, their Chashu ramen is celebrated for its lighter broth, distinguishing it from the more traditional, heavier versions.
The ramen is served with straight, medium-thick noodles, contributing to its unique texture and taste. A notable highlight is the generous portion of tender chashu, meticulously prepared from soft pork thighs, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
Dotonbori Kamukura
Dotonbori Kamukura is a well-established ramen chain with a rich history. The founder created a distinctive soup recipe that has become the chain's hallmark.
Kamukura's Boiled Egg Ramen is particularly noteworthy, featuring broth lighter than traditional ramen soups. This dish is further enhanced with thick cabbage leaves and chashu made from dry-aged pork belly, making it a standout item on their menu.
Kingemon Dotonbori
Kingemon Dotonbori is a renowned ramen restaurant in Osaka, specifically celebrated for its shoyu (soy sauce-based) ramen. It has made a name for itself in the Kansai region, attracting locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant is distinguished by its commitment to the traditional style and flavors of shoyu ramen. This commitment to authenticity and quality has helped Kingemon stand out as a notable destination for ramen enthusiasts.
This tour is perfect for those who love to explore through food.
Chukasoba Kazura
Chukasoba Kazura, located in Osaka, Japan, is a notable ramen shop that has garnered attention for its unique and flavorful dishes. Since 2015, the shop has quickly risen to prominence in Osaka's ramen scene.
The head chef's background in French cuisine has influenced the creation of a distinctive frothy chicken ramen characterized by a creamy, mousse-like top, setting it apart from traditional ramen offerings. The ramen bowl at Chukasoba Kazura is known for being packed with umami, featuring a blend of chicken and pork broth and two types of aged soy sauce, and it's garnished with smoked egg and tender chicken, providing a rich and satisfying flavor experience.
Ramen Kasumi
Ramen Kasumi in Osaka is a notable ramen shop that has consistently received recognition and awards, including being listed in Japan's Top 100 ramen shops. It's known for its distinct dishes, such as Niboshi ramen and Niboshi mazesoba.
The shop stands out for its chashu cooked with aromatic vegetables over low heat and its use of Niboshi from regions like Chiba, Nagasaki, and the Seto Inland Sea. The unique flavors and cooking techniques have made Ramen Kasumi a noteworthy destination for ramen lovers in Osaka.
Each of these restaurants offers a distinct experience, showcasing the variety and richness of Osaka's ramen scene. Whether you prefer a classic shoyu or a rich tonkotsu, there's something for every palate in this vibrant city.
Essential to Know Before Eating Ramen in Osaka
Noodle Types: Osaka ramen shops often feature a choice between firm noodles and thick noodles. The choice depends on personal preference and the type of soup.
Soup Flavor: The soup is the soul of the dish. Whether it's a rich miso base or a smooth shoyu, each restaurant has its unique mix.
Toppings: Classic toppings like boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and chashu are standard, but be bold and try the shop's unique toppings.
Etiquette: In many ramen shops in Osaka, ordering and paying at a vending machine before sitting is common. Also, slurping your noodles is fine – it's a sign of enjoying the meal!
Osaka's Ramen Odyssey: A Culinary Journey Awaits
Finding the best ramen in Osaka is a journey every food enthusiast should embark on. Whether you prefer thick or firm noodles, your soup rich in miso or light with shoyu, a bowl in Osaka awaits you.
Remember, each ramen shop in Osaka, from the bustling streets of Namba to the quieter corners of Kita-ku, offers a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. So, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the city where every ramen bowl tells a story.
Taste authentic ramen noodles loved by locals at Shinsekai.
FAQs
How much is a bowl of ramen in Osaka?
In Japan, ramen is considered a relatively affordable dining option, with the average cost of a bowl typically ranging from 600 to 1,200 yen. Adding extra toppings, a side, and a drink like beer to your meal typically keeps the overall cost below 2,000 yen.
Is Osaka's food cheaper than Tokyo's?
In Osaka, affordable lunch options abound for those busy days, and this affordability also extends to dinner.
What is the most popular ramen?
Shoyu, known in English as soy sauce, is the crucial ingredient in this popular and lighter variety of ramen, characterized by its clear-brown to dark, sometimes cloudy broth. This type of ramen, widely recognized as the most prevalent, originated in 1910 at Rairaiken, a ramen establishment in Tokyo's historic Asakusa district.
Does Osaka have Ichiran ramen?
Experiencing Ichiran's ramen in Japan is unparalleled. While it originated in Fukuoka, Ichiran has expanded nationwide, so a trip to Fukuoka is optional to enjoy its famous ramen. Conveniently, one of their branches is located along the Dotombori Canal in central Osaka, making it easily accessible.
Are two days in Osaka enough?
Spending two days in Osaka is ideal for experiencing the city's highlights without overexertion. This duration provides a balanced itinerary that captures Osaka's essence efficiently.
