マルイチ食堂
Premium salt ramen featuring a golden broth made 100% from Amakusa Daio chicken.
Table of Contents
- Restaurant Overview
- Basic Information
- Instant Ramen / Souvenirs
- Google Reviews Analysis
- Summary & Recommendations
Restaurant Overview
Features and Specialities
- Golden Broth with 100% Amakusa Daio : As a rare Shio (salt) ramen specialty shop in Kumamoto, Maruichi Shokudo prides itself on its soup. It is made exclusively from “Amakusa Daio,” one of Japan’s largest premium free-range chickens, slowly simmered for four hours and seasoned with natural sea salt from Okinawa.
- Michelin Guide Featured : The exquisite balance between the crystal-clear, elegant soup and the homemade noodles earned the shop a spot in the Michelin Guide (Kumamoto/Oita edition), proving its exceptional quality.
- Customizable Homemade Noodles : Diners can choose between two types of homemade noodles specifically crafted to match the delicate broth: wavy medium-thick noodles (chijire-men) or smooth straight noodles.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1F Yurakucho Bldg, 1-5-21 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto |
| Access | About a 3-minute walk from the “Kumamoto Castle/City Hall” tram stop. |
| Phone | 096-355-1109 |
| Business Hours | 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM / 5:30 PM - 9:15 PM |
| Closed | Open daily (except for some holidays like New Year’s) |
| Special Holidays | - |
| Seating/Facilities | Counter and table seating available |
| Smoking | Non-smoking |
| Parking | Not available (coin parking nearby) |
| Official SNS | - |
| Official Website | - |
| Other Sites | Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?cid=8950803479253757621 |
Main Menu
| Recommendation | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Amakusa Daio Shio (Salt) Ramen | 900 JPY |
| Side | Onigiri (Rice ball) | 150 JPY | |
| ★ | Side | Maruichi Gyoza (6 pcs) | 420 JPY |
| Set | Manpuku Dinner Set (Limited to 20 servings/day) | - |
Prices are as of the time of research and are subject to change. Free rice is served during lunchtime.
Instant Ramen / Souvenirs
Information regarding official online sales or instant versions was not confirmed at this time.
Google Reviews Analysis
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 |
| Total Reviews | 529 |
(As of March 15, 2026)
Positive Review Trends
- In a city dominated by rich pork-bone (tonkotsu) ramen, many reviewers express pleasant surprise at finding such an outstanding and refined Shio ramen.
- The umami-packed Amakusa Daio chicken broth is highly praised, especially for being light and extremely comforting, making it the perfect finishing bowl after drinks.
- The accompanying Gyoza (dumplings) are also popular for their mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate ramen soup.
Areas for Improvement / Negative Trends
- A few diners have noted that toppings like the seasoned egg are sometimes served cold, which can slightly lower the temperature of the otherwise piping hot soup.
Summary & Recommendations
Recommended for…
- Those who want a break from heavy, rich tonkotsu ramen and prefer a clear, delicate, and sophisticated bowl.
- Diners wanting to experience a Michelin-recognized ramen made from Kumamoto’s prized local ingredient, the Amakusa Daio chicken.
- Anyone looking for a soothing and incredibly satisfying late-night meal in downtown Kumamoto.
Tips for Your Visit
- If you visit during lunch, take advantage of the complimentary self-serve rice, which goes perfectly with the umami-rich chicken broth.
- Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, they offer a great value “Manpuku Dinner Set” (ramen + gyoza + rice), but it is limited to just 20 orders per day, so try arriving early if you want it!