Tonkotsu, but without that distinctive pork smell. Really, really good. This is the story of a bowl at Hakata Station that left me feeling thoroughly happy. Plus an unexpected kaedama incident.
What kind of place is Hakata Ikkousha?
Hakata Ikkousha is one of Hakata’s best-known tonkotsu ramen shops. The official site describes Ikkousha as a pioneer of foam-style ramen, with a matured broth whose fine bubbles spread softly in the mouth. This time I visited the Hakata DEITOS branch, inside Hakata Men Kaido on the 2nd floor of DEITOS at Hakata Station. It is an easy place to drop into mid-journey.
A Tabletop Journey: Hakata Ikkousha Hakata DEITOS
From Hakata Men Kaido to ajitama chashu ramen, bite-sized gyoza, and the kaedama that never was. A solo ramen tabletop journey at Hakata Station.
4 scenes
Into Hakata Men Kaido
I walked through Hakata Station to Hakata Men Kaido in DEITOS, a street lined with ramen shops. I forgot to take a photo of the shop itself, but a staff member kindly helped me with the ticket machine.
Ajitama Chashu Ramen★Star of the Day
I ordered the most popular bowl, ajitama chashu ramen. The chashu circled the bowl beautifully, and the tonkotsu soup had none of the strong pork smell I had expected. The thin noodles, ordered regular, were just right.
Hakata Bite-Sized Gyoza
The gyoza were small Hakata-style dumplings, easy to keep eating one after another. The red yuzu kosho on the side was a perfect match.
Kaedama (That Never Was)★The Finish
I was too full for kaedama, an extra serving of noodles. Just as I was envying someone nearby who had ordered it, one was brought to me by mistake. A small, funny ending to the meal.
In closing
On my way out, a big, cheerful voice from the kitchen thanked me, properly looking my way, and that left a wonderful impression. I remember the staff at their Fukuoka Airport branch being very kind too, so maybe it is the warmth of the whole company.
I would love to go back, but Hakata Men Kaido has so many ramen shops, and they all looked delicious. Some had long lines. Next time, I will come with more time and try the other shops.
Yes, today was the best, as always.
