Hakata Issou Honten — Restaurant in Fukuoka

I remember eating at Hakata Issou for the first time several years ago and being blown away by its broth, and how it struck the delicate balance between 'old school' Hakata ramen and the more recent trends in the ramen scene. I've since eaten at Hakata Issou every time I visited Fukuoka, and the only change that took place between my first and latest visits is the store (deservedly) moving higher up in Tabelog rankings.

The broth at Hakata Issou is not as salty and fatty as some of the more classic tonkotsu broth one can still find in Fukuoka. It will probably come across as more palatable to a wider audience for this reason, and, also for the very same reason, Fukuoka locals, especially those of the older generation, occasionally complain that the broth at Issou is not 'authentic'. But Issou's trademark frothy broth, if lacking some of the qualities of classic Showa-era pork broth, in no way lacks depth: it is rich, unique, and flavourful. Though preferences will inevitably differ amongst connoissuers of Hakata ramen, no one can deny that the quality of the broth here is top-notch.

While those who are inclined toward thicker and/or charred chashu might be disappointed by Issou's thin and lightly seasoned chashu, it nonetheless suits the kind of broth on offer. The ajitama (seasoned egg) is excellently prepared. The yolk is perhaps a bit harder than average, but this also means that it does not spill into the broth when soaked. Seasoning is relatively subdued in both the chashu and ajitama, a quality that I have come to regard positively. For the broth is what deserves the most attention at Hakata Issou, and nothing else should overpower it. One can choose the firmness of the noodle, although I have the impression that the staff tends to forgo explaining the availability of that option to customers who do not speak Japanese.

At the time of this review, Hakata Issou offers one of the finest tonkotsu ramen in town, one that I believe every visitor to Fukuoka...

Genuinely tasty Tonkatsu Ramen (the regional style of pork broth ramen with a very rich flavor), with above average noodles for the area. The noodles have a great wheat taste, can be cooked to your preference, and are balanced in alkalinity. Soup is a little too oily though it has the high fat level of classic ramen. This thick soup absolutely has a deep, rich pork flavor that rivals most of the great shops in Tokyo proper for depth. The cooks report it is a triple cooked broth, and you can watch making of the broth and the bowls. This makes it with visiting for serious Ramen fans. Excellent tableside toppings include fresh menma and spicy greens. Serving size is big, but not too big.

Standard ramen is served with only a little pork (sadly), exceptional nori (best seaweed slice I've ever had), mushroom strips, and green onion. The egg I ordered was super flavorful, so I'm curious if they are local/organic eggs.

Plating is done well, and the tableware is nice. Poorly shaped chopsticks though with a slippery grip. And, I've used chopsticks since I was a child.

Ordering Instructions for Tourists: You order at the front ticket machine. No English is available. Staff seems to speak little to no English. Insert your money, order the top left option if you are confused, and press the coin return button. Take the new ticket from the machine and sit down. The wait is very short.

Warning: the smell is exceptionally strong here and will seep into your clothes. Expensive clothing could be ruined for the night by a long sitting. You can smell this restaurant from...

Our visit to this recommended ramen 🍜 restaurant in Fukuoka proved to be a delightful and unforgettable experience. The anticipation built as we approached the establishment in the early morning, only to find a long queue already formed outside. However, the wait was worth it.

Hakata Issou's claim to fame lies in their signature broth, aptly named the "pork bone cappuccino." Despite the absence of coffee, the term "cappuccino" accurately describes the frothy essence of the soup, achieved by their ingenious use of 2-3 times more pork bone than other ramen places.

The ramen itself surpassed all expectations, making it the epitome of tonkotsu-based delicacies. The flavor of the broth was simply exceptional, with a depth and richness that lingered on our palates for hours after the meal. Accompanying the broth were noodles of the highest quality, boasting the ideal balance of chewiness and slurpiness.

Although I would be hard-pressed to find fault, if I were to offer one small critique, it would be that the egg lacked marination. Nevertheless, the plain soft-boiled egg still harmonized wonderfully with the overall dish.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in the Fukuoka area, I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend visiting this remarkable ramen shop. Hakata Issou's dedication to their craft is evident in every bowl they serve, and I am confident that, like me, you will savor this extraordinary culinary experience for...