Sabanji — Restaurant in Kyoto

Nestled in a cozy corner of the city, this quaint ramen place is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese flavors. Despite its small size, the restaurant exudes a clean and pleasant atmosphere, making it an inviting spot for both locals and travelers alike.

The menu keeps it simple yet perfect, offering just one item: ramen, available in regular or large sizes. This focus on a single dish allows the chef to perfect their craft, resulting in a ramen that is nothing short of spectacular. The ramen, priced at 1000 Japanese yen for a regular portion and 1500 yen for a large, provides a generous serving that promises to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

The ramen itself is a culinary delight. A little spicy, which hits the spot for those who appreciate a bit of heat, it features beef that is both rich and tender, melting in your mouth with each bite. The broth is aromatic and notably fatty, indicative of a well-prepared and traditional recipe. The noodles complement the beef perfectly, making each spoonful a delicious harmony of flavors.

Service is another area where this restaurant shines. With just one chef and a lady who takes orders and tends to customers, the attention to detail and care for diners is evident. Their warmth and attentiveness enhance the dining experience, making you feel well-looked after. The touch of complimentary water is a thoughtful gesture that does not go unnoticed.

For Europeans or anyone with a hearty appetite, the regular size portion is surprisingly filling, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to providing value and...

I don’t write a lot of reviews, but this place is special.

The owners are kind, welcoming, and speak very good English along with Mandarin and Japanese. They made practicing Japanese feel approachable.

If you have ever wanted to try the infamous Sichuan pepper that will create a numbing effect - this is the place. We have always wanted to and according to the reviews of people from Szechuan this is some of the most authentic. We can’t often find it in the U.S. so it was exciting to try it here.

The spices and flavor are stellar with good noodles and beef. The beef is so tender it melts in your mouth. I usually eat vegetarian because I don’t like a lot of chewy meat textures, but this was some of the best beef as far as texture goes for me. It was a little spicy hot and full of spice flavors, it’ll clear your sinuses a little but even my spicy intolerant husband thought it was mild enough for him to handle. The broth is absolutely fantastic.

The regular size was plenty for a casual lunch, and only 1000 yen seemed inexpensive for the quality involved. We went on a Thursday around 3pm during Sakura season and it was nearly empty. It’s a very short 5 minute walk from Kinkaku-ji, and well worth the visit...

What a gem located a just few minutes walk from Kinkaku-ji! The Chinese Ramen was mouthwateringly delicious. I was contemplating a second bowl order, and very regretful I did not order a second bowl.

Food: it is 1 menu item, the broth is a tad bit spicy but it reminds me more of the Schezwan spicy in that it doesn't burn your mouth or throat; just a tingle. If you can handle typical kimchi, this spice level is tolerable. Ramen texture and bite were great, meat was tender. The broth is what made it special.

Service: Staff is welcoming and friendly to everyone and foreigners, speaks English, Mandarin, Japanese, and some Korean. Service was quick and fantastic.

Atmosphere: 8-10 seat counter restaurant with space to store your bag. Vibe is a mix of contemporary with traditional aesthetics.

A few things to know: This is Chinese style Ramen. There is only 1 menu item. Credit Card is accepted. Ask for an apron to protect your clothes. The door is on the left side of the building (don't be like me or enter through the center sliding door that looks to be intended for opening the space up). Dine in on at Thursday during 12PM local time...