Menya Always — Restaurant in Nagasaki

Wow!!! This place serves DELICIOUS food.

I arrived right at opening time, so did not have to wait in a line. By the time I left, there was a line of a few people but nothing major.

The ordering kiosk didn’t have English translation (at least none that I could find). I erroneously ordered a bowl of the lemon ramen although I was attempting to order a bowl of the lemon tsukumen.

When my bowl came out, I was not upset at all. The taste of the ramen was exquisite. I have never tasted anything like it before. I quickly finished it and given how good it was I decided I still had some room left to try the tsukumen. I asked one of the staff and he allowed me to add onto my order but I had to pay with cash.

When I got my tsukumen, I was so glad I ordered it! The noodles were soaked in kombu water, which gave them a very nice taste and texture even on their own. They also came with sea salt and wasabi which I was instructed to try the noodles with on their own, both delicious. Then came the broth. Although I was pretty full at this point, I pushed through to eat most of it just because it was that tasty!

I cannot recommend this ramen spot enough....

I love ramen... and I was reallllly hungry when I arrived here. I was so close to getting the big basic ramen bowl, ready to compare it to the all my favorite archived ramen experiences on an even ground. I was curious about the lemon ramen, but again, I was hungry and wanted to compare their best with the best, no gimmicks. The last second I switch it up and got the lemon ramen, I was just so curious.

Best decision ever. It was so delicious and memorable I can still recall the taste with my tongue. It’s no gimmick or try-hard. It’s genuine. It’s light, yet not at all, there’s so much flavor, but it arrives to your tongue in an orderly, polite, Japanese fashion. It’s not a hodgepodge of spices that sometimes too crowded ramen throws at you. It’s calculated, yet easy.

Give it a try. It’s unique and you won’t regret it. Just add in a couple beers and gyoza like me and you’ll be full, satisfied, and a happier, better person.

I don’t smoke, but I feel like I need a cigarette in bed after that congenial experience.

(I may have had too much fun writing this review, but it is...

The ramen and eggs were satisfying - hearty and homestyle. There is an option to have less noodles and more vegetables, or two extra toppings for those watching their calories. My partner and I both have small appetites compared to most people we know, but we were still a little hungry after the ramen and ended up ordering a gyoza which was average - I prefer when the gyoza is crispy on both sides or at least not as soft overall, but maybe that is the preferred style here.

The staff working the front end was very energetic and efficient, helping multiple foreign customers work the menu. There seemed to be both locals and tourists in equal parts since it is so close to a large shopping area.

Highball seemed to be filled a bit low and had lots of big ice and it was gone a lot faster than other highballs I've had on my trip, but I could be mistaken. Beer was good.

The ramen here is good for a quick bite with character...