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Welcome To Kumamoto Ramen Keika Honten
Kumamoto Ramen Keika Honten, established in 1955, is a celebrated ramen shop located in the heart of Kumamoto, Japan. This renowned eatery specializes in traditional Kumamoto-style ramen, featuring firm, straight medium-thick noodles complemented by a rich tonkotsu and chicken broth infused with aromatic black garlic. Key highlights include homemade toppings like tender chashu, seasoned eggs, and flavorful menma, all crafted with great care. Customers rave about the depth of flavors and generous portions. The inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Kumamoto's culinary heritage.
About
Kumamoto Ramen Keika Honten
If you find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Kumamoto, Japan, one destination that should not be missed is Kumamoto Ramen Keika Honten. As a revered establishment in the heart of the Chuo Ward, Keika Honten has been serving its signature ramen since its inception in Showa 30 (1955). This enduring restaurant embodies a rich culinary legacy that blends tradition with flavor.
The restaurant’s star attraction is undoubtedly its Kumamoto ramen. This dish is renowned for its medium-thick, firm straight noodles that pair perfectly with a hearty and savory broth made from a blend of pork and chicken bones, enriched with a creamy white cloudy soup known as paitan. The depth of flavor is enhanced by the trademark black garlic oil — a signature touch that lifts the aroma and taste of each bowl. Health-conscious diners can appreciate the use of Akō salt, ensuring a quality dining experience without compromising on nutrition.
At Kumamoto Ramen Keika Honten, the toppings play an equally important role. The homemade chashu (braised pork belly), flavorful marinated eggs, bamboo shoots, seaweed, and green onions create the perfect medley to complement the rich broth. Each garnish adds a layer of flavor and texture, making each visit unique, as confirmed by satisfied customers who rave about the generous portions and hospitable service.
As you step inside this cozy venue, you are greeted with the tantalizing aroma that is hard to resist. Whether you choose to dive into the classic ramen or explore options like fried rice or gyoza, the atmosphere promises a warm welcome and speedy service. The affordability of the meals, set against the quality of the flavors, creates a satisfying culinary experience that draws patrons from all walks of life.
Incorporating feedback from frequent diners, many describe their experience as exhilarating, with some considering it “possibly one of the best ramen in Japan.” The combination of rich flavors and comforting textures, along with the thoughtful gestures from the staff — such as refreshing ice-cold cups of black tea waiting for you at your table — only enhance your dining pleasure. However, be forewarned; the broth can lean towards the saltier side, typical of Kumamoto-style ramen, which may leave some palettes craving a different balance.
In conclusion, Kumamoto Ramen Keika Honten is more than just a lunch spot; it’s a cornerstone of local food culture that successfully marries tradition with flavor, offering a quintessential ramen experience. If you’re in the area, prioritize a visit to experience the soul of Kumamoto in a bowl.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Excellent ramen, possibly one of the best in Japan. Highly recommend to try Kumamoto ramen in this restaurant! Service also top notch! ”
“ Trying THE Kumamoto ramen and the place wasn’t crowded on a Wednesday evening. Saw the 3.9 star rating and decided on this place over the 3.6 star for a somewhat similar ramen offering. The ramen had a depth in flavor thanks to the black garlic and they also had spicy options. They had an option to add on the set for like 500¥ with white rice and 800¥ with fried rice. You can also choose gyoza or fried pork for sides. If you are going as a couple, I would recommend getting one set to share as you can see their portions are huge! It’s located just off the shopping arcade area so it’s easy to find - parking is fairly expensive in this part of town so we parked around a 8min walk from this store and it costs us only 100¥ for 50mins compared to the 100¥ for 20 mins nearby. Take your pick of ramen from this street as there are so many choices. Choose what you fancy, but we wanted to try the local ramen. ”
“ Great location, easy to order and service was fast. I ordered the house noodle. Noodle was nice but not superb, pork was a bit hard, not tender. Overall it was a nice meal. ”
“ The soup is very very salty. The portion is big. It is not really tasty but can make you full. I guess that’s the style of Kumamoto ramen. If working in hard labor all day long and starving, I would appreciate this kind of food more. ”
“ Dived into the food and forgot to take a photo first, it smelled too good and it was delicious! The soup has an appetite opening sesame possibly garlic infused scent, the soup is not thick like hakata tonkotsu- it was light and soupy, on the saltier side and full of flavour. The cuts of meat were thick and generous. We enjoyed it! Very affordable and delicious meal also had the fried rice which had very good flavour and strong wok hei- exactly how you’d want fried rice to taste! Staff could tell we were tourists! After ordering at the vending machine they directed us to our seat where they had placed ice cold cups of black tea for us, thought it was such a thoughtful gesture ”
“ Kumamoto Ramen as its finest. Its rich, creamy, salty and garlicky. They've got big portions and will definitely fill you up. The meat is fatty and thick. They chahan has wok flavor hence smoky and fluffy. ”