Kokinta — Restaurant in Kagoshima

Kokinta Ramen is a small ramen place close to the shopping district that features Kagoshima-style tonkotsu ramen. It was close the 6pm, the opening time for dinner, when I arrived, and there was a small queue outside.

I was quickly seated and the waitress handed me a menu with English text. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen with pork bone added, with half a portion of fried rice.

The noodles and broth were not outstanding, but it was decent and above average in taste. However, the outstanding point about the ramen is the cha-shu and pork bone. When eating the meat, it melts in the mouth and explodes with rich pork fat, which may deter some, but is an absolute delight to me. The added pork bone was less fatty, but was tender and also as enjoyable.

The fried rice is the star of the show. It was cheap but has a taste reminiscent of high class teppanyaki style fried rice. I would highly recommend getting the rice together with the ramen, even if you don't think you'll be able to finish it.

Overall I left stuffed...

I went there alone for lunch in late July and had to wait about 10 minutes. Unlike most ramen places, you don't order from a ticket machine, they give you an actual menu instead. The shop is pretty cramped, so whenever someone walks by to leave, you have to lean forward a bit so they don't bump into you. I ordered a ramen set with fried rice and added an extra egg. I loved the fresh, crunchy bean sprouts and the noodles had this perfect slightly firm texture with a nice chew to them. The broth was amazing, really rich and flavorful. The fried rice was kind of disappointing though. It was a bit soggy and greasy, even though the seasoning was good. I'd definitely go back! It's one of the best ramen spots I've tried...

There was a long line outside the restaurant at lunch time but the queue moves pretty fast. After 30 mins we were seated and tried both ramen soup bases. The shio ramen was my favourite, don’t be deceived by the white soup base, it is layered with flavours and it’s so umami! The miso ramen was thicker and heavier, and also very delicious. We had the gyoza on the side which was also spot on. We saw other diners trying the fried rice as well, but we were definitely full after the ramen. It’s been the best ramen I’ve had so far in Kyushu and I highly...