Ramen Shin-Shin: the best tonkotsu ramen restaurant in Fukuoka
Ramen, those delicious Japanese noodles served in a savory broth, have become a culinary phenomenon the world over. Originally from China, ramen has been adopted and revisited in Japan, giving rise to numerous regional variations. Among these, tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu, is particularly renowned. And if there's one restaurant that epitomizes the ramen tradition in Fukuoka, it's the famous Shin-Shin. Get ready to queue up for these exceptional traditional ramen dishes!
Traditional tonkotsu ramen in the pure Hakata tradition
Located in the Hakata district of Fukuoka, Shin-Shin is a small, unpretentious restaurant that doesn't look like much at first glance. Yet every day, it attracts crowds of customers, locals and tourists alike, ready to wait long minutes for a bowl of its famous tonkotsu ramen. Shin-Shin's specialty is traditional Hakata ramen, characterized by a creamy white broth made from pork bones and simmered for a long time. This rich, flavorful broth is the key to Shin-Shin ramen.
A rich, flavorful broth, the result of over 8 hours of cooking
The secret of Shin-Shin's tonkotsu ramen lies in the meticulous preparation of its broth. Carefully selected pork bones are boiled over low heat for over 8 hours. This slow cooking process extracts all the marrow and collagen from the bones, which dissolve in the broth, giving it its distinctive thick, creamy texture. The broth is then seasoned with salt and soy sauce for optimal flavor. A true masterpiece!
Generous toppings: thick slices of pork, melting noodles and onions
A bowl of ramen wouldn't be complete without its toppings, and at Shin-Shin, they match the broth. Of course, there's the inevitable pork slices, slow-cooked for incomparable softness. The noodles, thin and straight, are prepared to order for a perfect texture, neither too soft nor too firm. Sliced spring onions and bamboo shoots add a crunchy, vegetable touch. A soft-boiled egg marinated in soy sauce completes the picture for a most appetizing bowl.
A wide choice of complements to personalize your bowl
At Shin-Shin, each customer is invited to personalize his or her ramen bowl according to his or her preferences. Various condiments are available on the table: sesame seeds, garlic, chili pepper, vinegar... So you can adjust the taste of your broth at will. You can also order additional garnishes such as pork, onions or bamboo shoots for those with a sweet tooth. Generosity really is the watchword at Shin-Shin!
The menu also includes gyoza, yakitori and edamame for a complete meal
In addition to its famous ramen, Shin-Shin offers a complete menu with other great classics of Japanese cuisine. Fans will appreciate the delicious gyoza, Japanese ravioli generously filled and grilled to perfection. Yakitori, Japanese skewers, will also provide variety. And for those who love legumes, edamame, the green soybeans you can peck at with your fingertips, is a must!
A warm, friendly atmosphere with fast, efficient service
Despite its success and daily crowds, Shin-Shin has managed to retain its authentic, friendly atmosphere. People sit on stools at the counter or at small, unpretentious tables, in a cheerful hubbub interspersed with the singing greetings of the staff. Service is ultra-efficient, with bowls arriving quickly after placing an order on the ticket machine. In just a few minutes, you're enjoying your steaming ramen. A treat for the taste buds and simple, immediate happiness!
Practical information: address, opening times and access
Convinced by Shin-Shin ramen? All you have to do is turn up and have a taste! The restaurant is located in the Hakata district, near the station. It's open every day from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., so it's ideal for lunch, dinner or even an after-party. Prices are very affordable, with bowls of ramen starting at 650 yen, or around €5. Don't forget to bring some change to pay your bill at the vending machine! And above all, be patient, because even if you arrive early, there's a good chance you'll have to queue. But believe us, it's worth it!
With its exceptional ramen, its unpretentious setting and its generosity, Shin-Shin perfectly embodies the spirit of ramen ya, those traditional Japanese noodle restaurants. To dine at Shin-Shin is to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the people of Fukuoka, and to take an unforgettable taste journey to the heart of the land of the rising sun. So if your route takes you through Fukuoka, be sure to stop off at Shin-Shin. Your patience will be rewarded as soon as you take your first sip of this divine broth!
Want to know more about the secrets of ramen-making? Visit the Momofuku Andô Instant Noodle Museum in Osaka, to unravel the mysteries of these fascinating noodles and discover the story of their creator, the great Momofuku Andô!
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
Tenjin stationPrice
From 650 yen (£4)Access
11 a.m. to 3 a.m