Menshokudo TaRa
Table of Contents
Situated near the Kagoshima City Tram depot, Menshokudo TaRa seamlessly blends a refined culinary approach with a welcoming, modern ambiance. A regular participant in the Kagoshima Ramen King Championship, the shop has earned accolades from renowned critics for its meticulously crafted soups and artisanal homemade noodles, making it a beloved institution for a broad spectrum of local diners.
Restaurant Overview
Features and Particulars
- Two Pillars of Flavor (Light & Rich) : TaRa specializes in two distinct soup bases. The “Light Chicken SOBA” uses premium Kuro-Satsuma chicken for a clear, deep umami profile. On the other hand, the “Rich Pork SOBA” features a thick, savory pork bone base simmered for three days, providing intense flavor without any lingering heaviness.
- Resilient Homemade Noodles : Every strand of noodle is crafted on-site in a dedicated workshop. Served with a slight “al dente” bite, these medium-thin straight noodles are designed to capture and carry the essence of the soup, maintaining their firm texture until the very last mouthful.
- A Modern, Cafe-Like Atmosphere : Stepping into TaRa feels more like entering a clean, stylish cafe than a traditional ramen shop. The bright interior is family-friendly, featuring both counter seats for solo diners and traditional tatami-style seating that accommodates parents with small children.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Address | 41-8 Koraicho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima |
| Access | 3-minute walk from “Takenohashi Station” on the Kagoshima City Tram. |
| Phone Number | 099-821-5450 |
| Business Hours | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (L.O.) |
| Regular Holiday | Mondays (Evening service may have irregular closures) |
| Special Holidays / Info | Check official Instagram for the latest updates |
| Seating / Facilities | 20 Seats (Counter, table, and traditional tatami-style seating available) |
| Smoking / Non-smoking | Non-smoking throughout |
| Parking | Yes (4 dedicated spots available) |
| Official SNS | |
| Official Website | - |
| Other Foodie Sites | Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?cid=11888560592719682037 |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Chicken | Light Chicken SOBA | 850 JPY |
| ★ | Pork | Rich Pork SOBA | 900 JPY |
| ★ | Shoyu | Chicken Chuka (Soy or Salt) | 850 JPY |
| ★ | Limited | Tantanmen (Spicy Mixed) | 950 JPY |
| Rice | Nikumeshi (Pork with Egg) | 350 JPY |
Prices are estimates. The “Chicken Chuka” is highly praised for including two distinct types of char siu pork: slow-cooked shoulder and tender belly roll.
Google Reviews Analysis
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating (Stars) | 4.2 / 5.0 |
| Review Count | 377 reviews |
(As of March 20, 2026)
Positive Review Trends
- “The soup quality is exceptionally high. The clarity and depth of flavor in the chicken soba were moving.”
- “The homemade noodles have an incredible texture and carry the soup perfectly.”
- “The shop is beautiful and stylish, and the service is professional and warm—our family’s go-to spot.”
Points for Improvement / Negative Trends
- “While there is parking, there are only a few spots, and they can fill up quickly during peak lunch hours.”
- “As a highly popular shop, items can sell out, and they occasionally close earlier than the official hours.”
Summary & Recommendations
Recommended for:
- Diners seeking a meticulously crafted bowl of noodles featuring deep, multi-layered broth.
- Those who appreciate a refined, cafe-like environment where they can enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting.
- Anyone looking for a reliable shop that serves everything from delicate, light soups to powerful, rich pork bases with equal mastery.
Tips for Visiting:
- This is one of Kagoshima’s true elite shops. We recommend starting with the “Chicken SOBA” or “Pork SOBA,” depending on your preference. Pay special attention to the slow-cooked char siu pork—it’s a masterpiece in itself. Since parking is limited, consider using the convenient city tram for an easy visit.