Mendoroko Kinoe
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
Mendoroko Kinoe
Restaurant Overview
Key Features
- Owned by a chef with 30 years of experience in traditional Japanese cuisine (Washoku), focusing on maximizing the natural umami of the ingredients.
- Their signature “Shio (Salt) Ramen” is a visual treat, featuring a clear soup garnished with Mitsuba (Japanese wild parsley) for a refined look.
- The perfectly balanced salt broth combined with the deep richness of chicken and seafood is so soothing that you’ll want to drink every last drop.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 14-39 Kengunhonmachi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto |
| Access | 10-minute walk from Kengunko-mae Station (Kumamoto City Tram) |
| Phone | 096-288-2792 |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Thursday |
| Temporary Closures | - |
| Seating | Counter only (Clean and sophisticated atmosphere) |
| Smoking Policy | Non-smoking throughout |
| Parking | Available |
| Official SNS | |
| Official Website | - |
| Other Gourmet Sites | Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?cid=13930867689100833166 |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Shio Ramen | ¥800 |
| ★ | Ramen | Shoyu Ramen | ¥800 |
| ★ | Ramen | Special Shio Ramen (Full Toppings) | ¥1,200 |
| Ramen | Tori Paitan (Chicken Creamy Broth) | ¥850 |
Prices are approximate. Please check the latest prices at the restaurant.
Instant Ramen Introduction
No online shop or official sales information is currently available.
Google Reviews Analysis
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating (★) | 4 / 5.0 |
| Number of Reviews | 215 |
(As of March 19, 2026)
Positive Review Trends
- The refined umami of the broth, characteristic of a Washoku background, is deeply satisfying.
- The various types of chashu (rare, chicken, etc.) on the Special Ramen are all top-tier.
- The shop is bright and exceptionally clean, making it very comfortable for female solo diners.
- Opening at 10 AM is perfect for “Asa-ra” (morning ramen) fans.
Areas for Improvement
- Due to the careful preparation, service might take a bit of time during peak hours.
- Fans of very bold, heavy flavors might find the delicate umami a bit too subtle.
Summary & Recommendations
Recommended For
- Fans of “Tanrei” (clear and light) style ramen who appreciate pure ingredient flavors over heavy fats.
- Those who want to enjoy a bowl of ramen in a clean, quiet, and sophisticated space.
- Foodies who are particular about the variety and quality of their meat toppings.
Tips for Visiting
- For first-timers, the “Shio Ramen” is the absolute best way to experience the shop’s true essence.
- Since it uses a ticket machine system, it’s helpful to decide your order before entering.
- They are closed on Thursdays; check their Instagram for any temporary closure updates.
