Ramen Sou Yume wo Katare Ichijoji — Restaurant in Kyoto

This has been my favorite ramen shop in all of Japan ever since visiting with my friends when we studied abroad over 10 years ago. At the time, I’d seen rumors online of a “small” portion option, but I have never once actually seen that at the shop. So, I just pay for the regular the char siu ramen at the machine, then ask the chef for half the usual amount. (If you do so, please note the price will not change. You will reduce food waste, though!)

The shop has about 11 seats in total, so if you go with a group of more than 2-3 it may be impossible to get seats together. There is often a small line outside, but most people (the majority of customers are almost always Japanese men) eat and leave rather quickly. This isn’t a restaurant for lingering and long conversation. Just focus on downing the delicious food in front of you! That said, I never fail to get “lapped” by a customer or two who arrived after me! :)

The water and oshibori (wet-wipes for your hands)...

I wouldn’t be a real ramen lover if I didn’t stop by again and have another bowl at the famous Ichijoji area of Kyoto. Yume wo Katare has a simple, offering only two sizes of two ramen: soup or soupless. I selected the larger size at 900￥ ($8.25 USD) plus a flavored egg for 100￥ at the ticket machine. The only question asked is “Do you want garlic?”

The ramen is actually a Jiro-style ramen, but differs slightly, as their shoyu soup base is actually a bit stronger than others, with chunkier bits of pork fat in the soup. The sprouts are piled high, the noodles thick, chewy, and flat, and the chashu chunky and thick… certainly savory and extremely delicious. I also highly recommend the flavored egg, as it was really soft, perfectly cooked, and surprisingly delicious.

“Gourmet” this is not, but at this price, the value per...

Order: ラーメン　並 Price: 900 yen

So worth it. Generous portion and delicious 😋🤤. Arguably the best ramen restaurant in the ramen street.

Precaution: This restaurant usually have long queues, so I would advise you to come just before the opening time or an hour before closing time to avoid long queues. [My experience: I arrived at 17:05, was seated at 17:30, and...