Taiho Ramen Honten
Established in 1953, Taiho Ramen Honten stands as a true monument to Kurume ramen. This legendary shop is the progenitor of the “yobimodoshi soup” technique, continuously replenishing its broth without ever emptying the pot since its founding, and has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Dive into the deep history and exquisite flavors of this iconic establishment.
Traveler's Quick Ramen Guide
🔰 4 Simple Steps to Enjoy Ramen in Japan
- 1. Buy Ticket (食券): Choose your bowl & extra toppings at the vending machine.
- 2. Hand Ticket: Sit down and place your ticket on the raised counter for the chef.
- 3. Customization: When asked for preferences, "Futsuu" means normal/standard taste.
- 4. Courtesy: Place your empty bowl on the upper counter and wipe your space with the cloth.
Table of Contents
Shop Overview
Key Features & Philosophy
- Established in 1953, Taiho Ramen Honten is the absolute symbol of Kurume ramen, continuously leading the tonkotsu ramen scene for over half a century.
- The originator of the “yobimodoshi soup” technique, now synonymous with their broth. This exclusive, traditional method involves continuously replenishing fresh broth into a simmering pot that has never been emptied since its inception, creating an incredibly rich, harmonious, and aromatic broth with profound umami, deeply infused with the essence of pork bones.
- Their signature “Mukashi Ramen” (Old-Style Ramen) is topped with “karikari” (crispy fried pork lard crackling cubes), reminiscent of traditional street stalls, which slowly dissolve into the soup, adding a fragrant crispness and profound depth of flavor.
- Their low-hydration, medium-thin straight craft noodles, made fresh daily in-house, perfectly cradle the rich tonkotsu broth, offering a delightful bite and subtle wheat sweetness.
- A revered pilgrimage site for ramen enthusiasts, attracting fervent support from both Japan and abroad, notably selected as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Fukuoka & Saga.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Fukuoka, Kurume, Toorigai-machi 11-8 |
| Access | Approx. 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu Kurume Station (Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line) or approx. 8-minute walk from Kushihara Station. |
| Phone Number | 0942-33-6695 |
| Business Hours | 10:30 - 21:00 (Last Order) |
| Closed | New Year’s Day (irregular closures for equipment maintenance may occur) |
| Special Holidays / Temporary Closures | Announced on official website, etc. |
| Seating & Facilities | 36 seats (counter, table, and raised tatami seating), all non-smoking. |
| Smoking / Non-Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Parking | Available (dedicated shop parking and a second parking lot) |
| Official SNS | In-store information and official announcements |
| Official Website | http://www.taiho.net/ |
| Other Gourmet Guides | Selected as a Tabelog Ramen WEST Hyakumeiten (Top 100), Michelin Guide Fukuoka & Saga Bib Gourmand |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Mukashi Ramen (Regular) | 850円 |
| ★ | Ramen | Ramen (Classic/Mellow Style) | 800円 |
| ★ | Ramen | Mukashi Chashu-men | 1,050円 |
| - | Ramen | Yobimodoshi Black | 900円 |
| - | Side Menu | Gyoza (10 pcs) | 500円 |
| - | Side Menu | Onigiri (2 pcs) | 200円 |
Story & Background: Why This Shop Stands Out
Roots & Philosophy
- “Yobimodoshi”: The Legacy of a Living Broth : Founded by Mr. Noboru Katsuki and his wife Shizue, who started their journey with a street stall. They never discarded their soup; instead, they continuously added fresh pork bones and broth daily. This method creates a multi-layered umami and depth of flavor impossible to achieve with a single, standalone batch.
- Two Grand Styles: Mukashi Ramen & Classic Ramen : They offer two distinct styles: the rich and hearty “Mukashi Ramen,” topped with fragrant “karikari” (crispy fried pork lard crackling cubes), and the creamy “Classic Ramen,” which uses less pork lard. Both captivate tonkotsu lovers of all ages.
- 100% Carefully Selected Kyushu Pork Bones : A pure, unadulterated soup crafted solely from premium Kyushu pork bones, water, and their secret tare (seasoning sauce), without relying on unnecessary seasonings or additives.
Recommended Way to Enjoy
- First, Savor the “Mukashi Ramen” as is : Take your first spoonful of soup and experience the unique, dense aroma and rich umami of the yobimodoshi soup.
- Let the Karikari Melt into the Broth : Submerge the “karikari” (crispy fried pork lard crackling cubes), made from slowly fried pork lard, into the soup to further enhance its fragrant richness.
- Enjoy Tabletop Toppings with Kaedama : Once you’ve finished your noodles, order a “kaedama” (noodle refill, 150 yen). Add beni shoga (red pickled ginger), special ground sesame, and garlic pickled in soy sauce to savor a delightful gradation of flavors – the true Kurume style.
Important Notes for Your Visit
- Weekend & Holiday Crowds : Expect queues during lunch (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM) and dinner hours. To avoid long waits, aim for opening time at 10:30 AM or around 3:00 PM.
- Noodle Firmness Preference : Unlike Hakata’s extreme “kona-otoshi” (powder drop) or “barikata” (super firm) culture, the shop owner recommends “futsuu” (regular) or “kata” (firm) to ensure optimal harmony with the rich soup.
Why It’s Special: A Summary
Taiho Ramen Honten is a sacred site where you can experience the “yobimodoshi soup” in its finest form—a testament to the history and mastery of Kyushu tonkotsu ramen. Its broth, while profoundly rich, boasts a surprisingly clean finish, continually captivating ramen connoisseurs from across the nation. This is an absolute must-visit for the ultimate bowl when in Kurume.
Online Ordering & Mail Order Information
For fans across Japan, Taiho Ramen offers a wide range of products, including an official online shop, souvenir raw noodle sets, and official cup noodles developed in collaboration with major food manufacturers. Officially supervised products are also available on major e-commerce sites like Amazon, allowing you to easily enjoy Taiho Ramen’s traditional flavor in the comfort of your home, even from afar.
