Fukuoka Gourmet Recommendation - Tonkotsu Ramen

Last time, we introduced Motsunabe, one of the three representative foods of Fukuoka, and recommended some restaurants. Today, we're going to tell you about Hakata Ramen, which is famous in Fukuoka, and recommend some great places to eat it!

Tonkotsu ramen (豚骨ラーメン) is a combination of "tonkotsu" (豚骨), meaning pork bone, and "ramen" (拉麺), and is a representative Fukuoka ramen featuring a milky broth made by boiling whole pork bones for at least 6-8 hours, along with firm, thin fresh noodles. It's typical to top the noodles with chashu (braised pork belly) and plenty of scallions, but toppings can vary by shop, including bamboo shoots, garlic, and pickled ginger. Those who initially questioned, 'Why is this famous when the broth is so salty and oily?', often find themselves unable to resist the charm of this ramen once they try it.

While there are many different types of ramen, Tonkotsu ramen is said to be one of the most popular among Koreans because it suits their palate well.

Its rise to becoming a representative dish of Fukuoka started over 80 years ago. Tonkotsu ramen was first introduced to the world at a street stall in Fukuoka, gaining popularity and eventually becoming a Hakata soul food. Hakata ramen (博多ラーメン), originating from Hakata, which represents Japanese Tonkotsu ramen, and Nagahama ramen (長浜ラーメン), which can be enjoyed in the Nagahama area, are considered the two pillars of Fukuoka Tonkotsu ramen. In the local area, Hakata ramen is also called 'Kurume ramen'. Developed as a quick meal for workers, older ramen shops tend to stick to using thin noodles. Because Tonkotsu ramen has a deep and flavorful broth, it's also common to order additional noodles by yelling 'Kaedama~(替え玉)' and saving some of the broth.

The Tonkotsu ramen restaurant I recommend is Ichiran Ramen. This shop boasts over 50 years of history. It's a ramen specialty store that represents Fukuoka and is famous for its broth made with a traditional secret seasoning passed down through generations. The fact that they only serve ramen highlights Ichiran's dedication to the art of ramen making. Uniquely, customers can customize their ramen by writing their preferences for the noodle firmness and broth richness on a sheet of paper. It has been frequently featured on Korean television, and its individual booth seating with personal water fountains adds a unique touch, reminiscent of a library study area. The old-fashioned ticket machine adds to the authentic Japanese experience. There are two branches in Fukuoka (Tenjin Underground Shopping Center and Canal City Hakata), as well as branches in Tokyo, Yokohama, and other areas.

While Tonkotsu ramen can be perceived as rich, you can adjust the spiciness with a spicy sauce, making it popular among Koreans. I've personally tried it there, and the red sauce helps cut through the richness, and the broth is truly delicious. You also get to peel and add a soft-boiled egg yourself, which is almost fully cooked and blends perfectly with the ramen.

They also serve refreshing water on hot summer days, and the ramen comes in a fun, lunchbox-like bowl, adding to the overall experience.

The address of the main store is Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku Nakasu 5-3-2.

If you want to experience the feeling of traveling in Fukuoka, visit Ichiran Ramen!