RAMEN Koba & More — Restaurant in Himeji

Honestly, I had an amazing time and was curious about the bad ratings so… I will state that I am an American tourist, so I cannot speak to if or not there were discriminatory practices in place, but the restaurant was run by a native Japanese man who didn’t seem to hold any restrictions on his non-foreign customers. (Other than a limited photography sign which did still apply to us, but also something I understand as many of the restaurants I’ve been to in my stay do have a running theme on photo-obsessed customers, so I understand his irritation for privacy reasons).

I am also 18 and not the legal age to drink, with the food + drink recommendation there were several non alcoholic beverages on the menu and no restriction I saw on underaged customers (I also tend to look younger than I actually am and he never asked and I am ever told him). This could be something he’s changed, but nothing I witnessed leads me to believe he discriminated against younger customers (though I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a rule against younger children, as the atmosphere was more suited to adults).

The atmosphere was great! Played really nice jazz and had a very homey and chill feel. Koba spoke very good English and was happy to chat with us and the other party there at the time. Good, fresh food with a good amount of seasoning (he offers an additional amount of chili powder to all customers that you can add to your heart’s content).

Highly recommend the Chop suey ramen and tofu ramen, the veggies and tofu were plentiful and fresh! Also, very...

Was not in luck for 2 days as I came before 6pm hoping I can taste the superb food and cosy atmosphere.

Luckily I came just before 12pm, manage to be early and let me taste buds feast on the scrumptious meal!!!

I ordered negi wonton, gyoza, charsiumen and ginger ale.

You will not believe how good the food was and how cosy the place is. Jazz music, warm lights, wooden/ Western bar like theme plus the food, it will definitely tempt you to come back again.

I was first served with Negi Wonton, the meat was in balance with the wonton skin as you can taste the meat while enjoying the soft chewy skin paired with sweet chilli and the generous amount of garnishes! It has a very unique flavor you cannot find outside with addition of pepper I believe.

Next was the gyoza. They are flavorful and crunchy, with a slight fried underside and chewy soft skin. Perfect....

Lastly, the main dish came and the waiting time was not the long in between the dishes! All are cooked for you that time... The main contender was the Charsiumen. The noodle was springy and chewy paired with the unique shoyu sauce soup and thick pork slices. The pork slices are tender and fresh that you can bite them off easy !!!!! The soup was very nice too as it has the flavor of chicken noodle taste with an additional.

Will come back to...

Koba's is a great place for first time visitors to get a taste of Himeji and the warm people of Hyogo. This restaurant offers traditional style Ramen as well as Koba's own original recipes. You will come for the Ramen, but stay for the music. Koba's love of Jazz music permeates throughout this whole restaurant. Its more than a theme for him, he lives through Jazz. Background music, posters, memorabilia and even the menu are inspired by his love of all this music. I really cannot overstate how welcoming this experience is.

However, Koba manages to balance his hospitality with a sense of exclusiveness. It is a very small space, with limited seating and often times Koba is the only one working. He routinely closes the place down for his close customers and friends. As a customer this makes the whole experience feel much more genuine and pure.

If you are expecting a quick bowl of Ramen of course that is also possible. However there are few times when someone is willing to open up to strangers (especially foreigners) about his passion for ramen and Jazz. Gives this place the time it deserves if you are...