Are you wondering how to find the best Ramen in Kyoto? I might be able to help.

Picking a great Ramen restaurant in Japan can be tricky. There are so many Ramen shops everywhere. A lot of them are good. But not necessarily incredible.

As for me, I tried a lot of different Ramen in Tokyo but somehow I felt like they couldn’t beat my favourite Ramen restaurant back home in Manchester. And even though I love the place, it just didn’t feel right.

Was I just picking the wrong restaurants or broth flavours? Was I too used to westernized Ramen?

I decided to try one last Ramen shop during my trip to Kyoto and I am so glad I did!

 

 

 

Ramen Sen no Kaze

 

 

I was searching for some Ramen places near me when I stumbled upon a small place in a side alley near Nishiki Market.

With words like “Legendary” and “must eat” thrown around, the reviews looked promising, to say the least.

Ramen Sen no Kaze is a small restaurant with two tables and around 7 bar seats. Since the place is small and incredibly popular, you have to get a ticket with a number and QR code before you can take a seat. You don’t have to wait in front of the restaurant though. Instead, you can check the status of your ticket and the estimated waiting time online.

Luckily we were early and didn’t have to wait too long!

 

 

 

Shi0 or Tonkatsu?

 

 

I ordered a set menu which came with a beer (alcoholic beverage of your choice), Gyoza, Coleslaw and Miso Ramen (1750 Yen).

The Coleslaw was an odd thing for me to eat with Ramen but extremely tasty and the Gyoza were good.

 

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You have the choice between different kind of Ramen broths such a Shio (classic) or Tonkotsu (pork). I absolutely loved the Miso-based version of their Ramen noodles! The broth was thick, creamy and extremely flavourful. The amount of Ramen we got was a lot more than I expected and we struggled to finish it even though it was so tasty!

The only thing I didn’t particularly like was the minced pork pieces in the Miso broth that collect at bottom of the bowl. It was just a bit unexpected.

 

 

Ramen Chashu Pork

 

Chashu Pork is a Japanese pork belly that is marinated and simmered or braised and often served with Ramen noodles.

The Chasu Pork at Ramen Sen no Kaze is definitely the star of their Ramen dishes. I can honestly say it’s the best and most delicious Chashu I have ever eaten.  The default Ramen dish includes three slices of pork belly but for only 200 Yen you can add 2 extra pieces (worth it!).

Can’t beat Japanese prok belly Ramen.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

Did I have the best Ramen ever? I am not sure, but I know that they were the best Ramen I have had in Japan so far. I recommend that you visit Ramen Sen no Kaze if you crave some good Ramen or comfort food. The restaurant is charming, the service is great and the prices are really good for Kyoto standards.