Menya Waraku
Table of Contents
Tucked away in a residential pocket of Urasoe, just a short turn from the main bypass, Menya Waraku is a local gem run by a dedicated couple from Kyoto. This shop is a rare destination where you can experience authentic Kyoto-style “Back Fat Soy Sauce” (Sebura Shoyu) ramen in the heart of Okinawa. With a strictly limited daily output of 100 bowls, it has earned a devoted following for its sincere and high-quality craftsmanship.
Restaurant Overview
Features and Particulars
- Orthodox Kyoto Sebura Shoyu : The base is a deep, savory broth made from chicken bones and enriched with seafood umami. A fine layer of back fat floating on the surface provides a rich sweetness and a lingering finish. It hits that perfect balance of being light enough to drink yet bold enough to satisfy.
- Unique Mozuku-infused Noodles : While they serve the classic Kyoto-style straight thin noodles, they have a unique Okinawan twist: they are kneaded with local Mozuku seaweed . This gives the noodles a subtle, unique fragrance and a perfect “snap” that complements the savory soup beautifully.
- The Custom “Waraku-Meshi” Finish : Regulars know that the experience doesn’t end with the noodles. They provide plenty of table spices, including a famous spicy chive garnish (Nira Yakumi) to customize the heat. To finish, most diners order a bowl of rice and tip it into the remaining soup—a ritual known as “Waraku-Meshi.”
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-15-2 Miyagi, Urasoe City, Okinawa |
| Access | Near Route 330 (bypass) and the Ohira intersection. |
| Phone Number | 098-874-8069 |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (L.O.) Limited to 100 bowls/day; closes when soup runs out |
| Regular Holiday | Monday and Tuesday (Open if Monday is a holiday; schedules may vary) |
| Special Holidays / Info | - |
| Seating / Facilities | 18 seats (Counter, table, and raised floor seating) |
| Smoking / Non-smoking | Non-smoking throughout |
| Parking | Yes (Several spots next to the shop) |
| Official SNS | - |
| Official Website | - |
| Other Foodie Sites | Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?cid=16942800940415261267 |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Chuka Soba (Kyoto Shoyu) | 800 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Niku (Extra Meat) Chuka Soba | 1,000 JPY |
| Ramen | Shiosai: Strong Seafood flavor | 850 JPY | |
| Rice | Rice (Small, Med, Large) | From 100 JPY | |
| Topping | Seasoned Soft-Boiled Egg | 100 JPY |
Limited to 100 bowls a day—arrive early!
Instant Ramen Information
Currently, there are no official home-use kits or online delivery options available for Menya Waraku.
Google Reviews Analysis
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating (Stars) | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| Review Count | 478 reviews |
(As of March 20, 2026)
Positive Review Trends
- “I didn’t think I could find such high-level Kyoto ramen in Okinawa. The sweetness of the pork fat is just perfect.”
- “Adding the spicy chives gives it a huge kick of flavor; soaking up the rest with rice is just heavenly.”
- “The owners are incredibly welcoming; it feels like eating at someone’s home.”
Points for Improvement / Negative Trends
- “The parking lot is quite small and can be a bit tricky during peak hours.”
- “Since they are limited to 100 bowls, they are often closed by 2:00 PM; be careful with your timing.”
Summary & Recommendations
Recommended for:
- Fans of traditional, high-quality Kyoto-style “Sebura Shoyu” ramen.
- Anyone looking for a comforting, chicken-based soup with deep umami.
- Diners who enjoy a local, warm, and personalized shop atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting:
- This is a popular spot that can see a queue right at the 11:00 AM opening. For the best experience, try to arrive in the morning or early afternoon. The owner highly recommends the “Meat Chuka Soba” with a generous helping of those free spicy chives!