Tontoro Tenmonkan Main Restaurant — Restaurant in Kagoshima

Tontoro ramen is a popular ramen place in kagoshima area, and we are staying in a hotel very closeby, so we gave it a shot around 10:30 pm on saturday. We took the last two seats at counter by the entrance, and the restaurant was packed by the locals except one group of taiwanese tourists.

We were greeted with two ice water. Hubby and i both ordered their best selling ramen, the soup was greasy buy yummy, and the noodle was chewy. I honestly cannot say i understand the beauty of kurobuta since the pork slices do not taste particularly good for me. I, however, really love their complimentary marinated radish on the table, which tastes similar to what they would give you in korea if you order fried chicken there lol! The portion was not big, and we paid 1680 yen for two bowls. We were there for probably only fifteen to twenty minutes. For paying, just walk to the cashier close to the kitcken, make sure not to block the path like i did lol.

When we left, there were probably 10 locals waiting in line to eat. It looks like a popular place for people to get some food after they get somewhat drunk too lol. I would recommend this place for a quick bite, but their ramen actually isn't overly...

This is a rich, heavy, luxurious bowl. And yet, I didn't feel it was overwhelmingly rich. The broth is pretty balanced but on the heavy side, and the noodles are good and pretty chewy but nothing really special. I think where this place shines is the toppings. In my opinion, the pork, egg, and little crispy bits on top are absolutely incredible. The pork is very fatty and extremely soft. Personally I love that, but I know some people don't. The seasoned egg though is bar none the best seasoned egg I've ever had in a bowl of ramen. The seasoning is not too strong and the egg yolk has the most rich and incredible flavour... it's the egg of dreams. Perfectly cooked too. No idea why these eggs are so good but HOOOOLY. Do not skip out on this egg. Finally the crispy bits and green onion are just dang good and quality additions. Given the heaviness of the bowl, unless you're really starting, the medium size should be perfect for most people. Overall, I don't think it really stands out as unique Kagoshima ramen, but it's just a quality...

When I think of Tonkotsu Ramen, this is the bowl that encapsulates it the best.

It has all the elements you expect - Rich porky broth, perfect ramen noodles, green onions, a gooey ramen egg, black fungus and lovely fatty Kagoshima black pork chashu topped with crunchy deep fried onions. Everything is just done so perfectly.

A bowl will set you back around 1,100 yen, add some beer and maybe some gyoza to the side and 2,000 will be more than enough for a meal.

This is the best bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen I've had, if you love Tonkotsu Ramen then I strongly...