Last time, I introduced you to Motsunabe, one of the top 3 foods in Fukuoka, and recommended some restaurants. Today, I'll introduce you to the famous Tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka and recommend some delicious places!

Tonkotsu ramen (豚骨ラーメン) is a combination of Tonkotsu (豚骨), meaning pork bone, and ramen (ramen). It is a Fukuoka representative ramen with a milky broth made from pork bones boiled for at least 6-8 hours and thin, elastic noodles. It is common to top the noodles with Chashu (braised pork) and scallions, but toppings vary from store to store, such as bamboo shoots, garlic, and pickled ginger. Those who wondered, 'Why is this famous when the broth is salty and greasy?' are said to be unable to escape the charm of this ramen once they taste it.

There are many types of ramen, but Tonkotsu ramen is said to be one of the most popular ramen among Koreans because it suits their taste buds well.

The story of how it became the representative food of Fukuoka starts about 80 years ago. It was first introduced to the world at a food stall in Fukuoka, and it became a Hakata soul food as it gained popularity. Hakata ramen (博多ラーメン), which started in Hakata, representing Japanese Tonkotsu ramen, and Nagahama ramen (長浜ラーメン), which can be enjoyed in the Nagahama area, are said to be the two major peaks of Fukuoka Tonkotsu ramen. Locals also call Hakata ramen 'Gurume ramen'. It developed as a food for laborers that could be eaten quickly. The older ramen shops still use thin noodles, as they are used to eating it quickly. Tonkotsu ramen has a deep broth, so it's a good idea to add noodles by shouting "Kaedama~ (替え玉)" and leave some of the broth.

The Tonkotsu ramen restaurant I recommend is Ichiran ramen. It is a restaurant with over 50 years of history. It is a ramen specialty store that represents Fukuoka, famous for its broth made with secret seasonings passed down from the past. You can feel the dedication to ramen from the fact that the only menu item is ramen. Interestingly, you can order the ramen by writing the level of firmness of the noodles and the richness of the broth on a piece of paper. It has been featured on Korean television many times and has a unique atmosphere with individual booths and individual water dispensers, similar to a library. It's even more Japanese with a vending machine where you pay with cash, making you feel like you're on a trip. There are two branches in Fukuoka (Sunplaza basement and Canal City Hakata), and branches in Tokyo, Yokohama, and other cities.

Tonkotsu ramen can be greasy, but it's one of the most popular restaurants among Koreans because you can adjust the spiciness with spicy sauce. I tried it there myself, and the red sauce helps to cut through the greasiness, and the broth was really delicious. You also have to add an egg and peel it yourself. The egg is almost fully cooked, but it's still soft-boiled and goes well with the ramen.

They also provide cold water on hot summer days and serve the ramen in fun bowls that resemble lunchboxes.

The address of the main store is 福岡市博多区中洲5-3-2.

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