Matsu Shokudo
Created date: 2026/10/08,
Update date: 2026/10/08
Located directly beside the famed Bannai Shokudo, Matsu Shokudo is cherished by Kitakata locals as their true favorite. Renowned for its rich, fragrant dried sardine (niboshi) shoyu broth and generous fan of melt-in-your-mouth pork chashu, discover the authentic heart of classic Kitakata ramen.
Traveler's Quick Ramen Guide
Payment
Cash recommended (Ticket Vending Machine)
Order Style
Purchase ticket inside entrance before/at seating
Water & Service
Free self-service (water pitchers on counter)
🔰 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
Features & Commitments
- Located right next door to Bannai Shokudo in Hosoda, Kitakata, Matsu Shokudo is proudly hailed by local residents as the premier classic shoyu ramen destination in town.
- The star of the shop is the “Chashumen”, boasting a mouthwatering, full-bowl array of tender pork belly chashu slices simmered in a sweet-savory soy sauce marinade that accents the pork’s natural richness.
- The broth is an authentic amber soy sauce soup built upon rich pork bone stock infused with aromatic dried sardines (niboshi). Light on the palate yet deeply flavorful with rustic seafood-and-pork depth.
- The noodles are authentic Kitakata aged multi-hydration hand-kneaded medium-thick curly noodles, offering a springy bounce and seamless soup retention.
- Loved for its warm, welcoming mom-and-pop hospitality, providing soothing comfort to locals and travelers alike even during peak tourist seasons.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 7230 Hosoda, Kitakata, Fukushima 966-0861 |
| Access | Approx. 15 mins on foot or 4 mins by car from JR Kitakata Station (directly adjacent to Bannai Shokudo) |
| Phone Number | +81-241-22-9905 |
| Business Hours | 10:00 - 15:00 (Closes when soup runs out) |
| Regular Holiday | Tuesday (Open if national holiday, closed next day) |
| Special Holidays | Posted in-store |
| Seating & Facilities | 20 seats (table seating and tatami floor seating), all non-smoking |
| Smoking Policy | Non-smoking |
| Parking | None (use nearby municipal sightseeing parking lots) |
| Official Social Media | In-store notices and regional gourmet platforms |
| Official Website | None |
| Other Food Guides | Revered as a top-ranked local gem on Tabelog and regional guides |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Chashumen | 1,000 yen |
| ★ | Ramen | Ramen (Classic Shoyu Chukasoba) | 750 yen |
| ★ | Ramen | Large Chashumen | 1,150 yen |
| - | Ramen | Large Ramen | 850 yen |
| - | Side | Steamed Rice | 150 yen |
Story & Background: Why This Shop Is Chosen
Heritage & Philosophy
- Beloved Local Heritage : While tourists flock next door to Bannai, many local Kitakata connoisseurs proudly champion Matsu Shokudo as the true standard of home-style ramen.
- Sardine-Infused Traditional Shoyu : Contrasting with Bannai’s salt-forward soup, Matsu Shokudo highlights aromatic soy sauce depth and savory dried sardine aromatics.
- Masterfully Simmered Pork Belly : Perfectly tender pork that balances lean meat and melt-in-the-mouth fat without becoming overly greasy.
Recommended Dining Guide
- Savor the aromatic sardine-soy broth first : Enjoy the warm, rich fragrance of dried sardines blending seamlessly into savory pork stock.
- Taste a tender chashu slice : Appreciate the sweet-savory soy glaze permeating the juicy, soft pork belly.
- Wrap the curly noodles with chashu : Slurp the chewy hand-rubbed noodles together with a slice of meat for the pinnacle of comforting ramen harmony.
Mail Order & Gift Information
Official instant noodles or gift packs are currently not available on Amazon or standard e-commerce malls. Visit Matsu Shokudo in Hosoda, Kitakata to enjoy this heartwarming bowl made fresh by local artisans.
