Bryce was born in California, but raised from the age of 3 near Seattle, Washington. He’s been living in Tokyo for about 7 years, and graduated from Temple University, Japan with degrees in economics and international business. He loves traveling of course, but also cooking, snowboarding, some video games as well. His biggest interest is songwriting/music production, more specifically electronic music… (think Skrillex, Marshmello, Daft Punk, etc.) He also has terrible humor as you’ll notice, but he hopes you’ll enjoy it!
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Welcome to Osaka, the foodie haven where every street corner seems to boast a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. While Osaka has made foods like Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki famous, it’s also simply one of the best spots to enjoy food in Kansai, let alone Japan, period. Among the countless delights, Osaka no doubt guarantees a wide variety of delicious Ramen choices. If you’re planning to visit the area and are a noodle chaser, then you are currently reading the introduction to the best list of Ramen joints for you to check out. There’s no doubt you’ll find your perfect bowl within this robust selection of broths, toppings, and noodle types. Without further ado, it’s time to discover!
- 1. Jinrui Mina Menrui
- 2. Moeyo Mensuke
- 3. Chukasoba Mugen
- 4. Menya Fukuhara
- 5. Kibunya Dotombori
- 6. Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori
- 7. Chukasoba Uemachi
- 8. The Most Deserted Ramen Bar in the World
- 9. Kuso Oyaji Saigo-no-Hitofuri
- 10. Ramen Jinsei JET
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Osaka
- Other Articles you Might be Interested in:
1. Jinrui Mina Menrui
Regarded by many as the best Ramen shop in Osaka, Jinrui Mina Menrui sure knows how to make a bowl of Ramen. Their noodles are made with a type of flour that is used to make Sanuki Udon which makes the noodles thick, firm, and slippery. The texture compliments their wide variety of flavors and excellent toppings. The shop is known also for its large blocks of Chashu, a tender, juicy slice of specially prepared pork, a common topping for many kinds of Ramen. Be sure to stop here for an iconic taste and a good glimpse of Osaka’s tasty Ramen scene
2. Moeyo Mensuke
Ramen has a general variety of broths that seem to dictate their flavors and style. The most common ones you’ll come across are Shoyu (Soy sauce based), Shio (sea salt based), Tonkotsu (pork bone broth), and Miso. Chicken is also very common, but this store specializes in duck ramen! It’s not unheard of as ramen is incredibly versatile, but it’s certainly not on every street. They are also well known for their shellfish Ramen, though the duck is more popular. If youre looking to change things up and not sacrifice any taste, be sure to check out Moeyo Mensuke.
3. Chukasoba Mugen
Boasting Bib Gourmand from Michelin, this is absolutely a spot for anyone who enjoyes the flavors of both chicken and Soy sauce. This store specializes in a chicken based broth which is made from specially sourced chickens from reputable regions, and refined Soy sauce. The flavors come together elegantly and compliment the thinner, firmer chuka noodles perfectly. As a michelin approved spot, you have to know the dining experience will be immaculate.
4. Menya Fukuhara
Menya Fukuhara, following a similar style to the previous choice, is simple yet defined and serves a purely chicken broth. With various toppings like roast beef, chashu, and of course chicken, you’ll definitely have a tasty bowl to enjoy. Their noodles are firm and thin, a seeminlg great pair for the lighter broths like theirs.
5. Kibunya Dotombori
Tsukemen is a great way to enjoy Ramen. Basically, the soup is much more dense, so much so that it is separated from the noodles and toppings, and is served more like a gravy. The way to enjoy it is to dip the toppings and noodles into the broth, rather than eating everything out of the soup. The density of the broth clings to everything nicely and you’re able to really taste the flavor. Oh yeah, as you could probably imagine, Kibunya is a Tsukemen place. They serve a variety of broths and even normal Ramen as well. They also serve a selection of side dishes like fried chicken and Gyoza, enjoy with some beer!
6. Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori
Behold the iconic dragon! Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori is a must-visit for those who want their ramen with a side of spectacle. The massive dragon sign above the shop is a beacon for hungry wanderers. The Ramen here is a classic, hearty bowl of tonkotsu ramen, offering a robust and flavorful experience. Tonkotsu Ramen typically has a very heavy disposition and is quite strong in smell, but that’s not necessarily the case at Kinryu. The founders goal was to make a bowl that women could enjoy too, as many women would avoid tonkotsu places because of the smell and overall strength. Rest assured, the flavor is certainly not diluted, though! Join the queue and let the dragon guide you to Ramen nirvana.
7. Chukasoba Uemachi
Another Michelin approved spot, Uemachi, is as delicious as it is precise. It is also another location that specializes in chicken based broth, though it is also combined with pork broth as well, giving it a more hearty flavor. Of course the chicken and pork are both specially sourced from Nara and Kagoshima, respectively. They also offer a Dashi-only soup, an interesting idea and something worth trying.
8. The Most Deserted Ramen Bar in the World
Clearly the founder has a good sense of humor! Maybe his bar would get even more “deserted” if he started a “free ramen” campaign… well pitch it. Anyways, what does deserted ramen taste like? Sand? Cake? No, that would be “desserted”… well, apparently it’s great tasting, and comes in a pleasant variety, complete with handmade noodles and a smattering of side dishes. Additionally, the atmosphere is not only not desert-y, it’s quite modern and innovative. Its youthful vibe and solo-diner-friendly layout makes it a great spot for the adventurer, and perhaps comedian.
9. Kuso Oyaji Saigo-no-Hitofuri
Man, these chefs in Osaka can get away with any title, can’t they? So goes being in the region with the best food! Anyways, they translate this phrase themselves as “The Old Man’s Best Swing”. With no decorations relating to baseball, golf, or swing sets, it’s a bit of a let down… however the Ramen is good. If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll enjoy their clam based Ramen, though they don’t offer any other types, so make sure you’re good for it before going.
10. Ramen Jinsei JET
The final stop is certainly one you won’t want to miss, and one that takes simplicity to impressive levels. Since 2010, its been a significant presence on the food radar of Osaka. Offering a fairly basic chicken and Shoyu based broth, it is absolutely to die for- and it’s quite inexpensive, even for something typically cheap like Ramen. Word has it that the creamy chicken paitan is the bowl to try! What are you waiting for?
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Osaka
If you are planning on visiting Osaka and need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place! We would be more than happy to help make your trip the best it possibly could be. We can advise you on where to go, or even better, hook you up with a local English speaking guide that can show you all of the best spots. Let us help you make fun, safe, and unforgettable memories in Osaka!
▶Osaka Highlights Private Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Osaka, we will take you to Osaka’s highlights that include Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, the popular Dotonbori area, etc. Learn about the rich history of the area, local lifestyle, and of course delicious Osaka food!
▶Kyoto Food and Drink Tour @Nishiki Street & Gion
If you’re planning on visiting Kyoto along with Osaka and are looking to learn more about the culture and local cuisine, this is definitely the perfect tour for you! Take part in this fun food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous Gion district.
Kimono Experience
▶Kimono Rental
Explore the exciting city of Osaka with a kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Osaka, it’s located at the center of the city, accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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