[Fukuoka, Japan] Since I love Japanese Ramen so much (especially Hakata style Ramen), a trip to Fukuoka 福岡 had to be in the works.
Fukuoka, a vibrant city on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island, is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Hakata ramen – one of Japan’s most beloved ramen styles.
The Hakata style is characterised by its rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and thin, firm noodles.
In Fukuoka, there are countless ramen shops dotting the city, each offering their own twist on the traditional recipe.
Some of the famous ramen shops there include Ichiran 一蘭 (of course), Hakata Issou (博多一双 博多駅東本店), Hakuryuken (博龍軒), Fukuchan Ramen (ふくちゃんラーメン 田隈本店), Hakata Genki Ippai!! (博多元気一杯!!), and Shin Shin (博多らーめん ShinShin).
Shin Shin 福岡の博多純情らーめんの店 has a few outlets around, including the Tenjin main store (Chuo-ku area at Tenjin 3-2-19), Hakata Menkaido (situated in Hakata Station), and Hakata Deitos (1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata).
The restaurant has been featured in popular tourist guidebooks and is known for reasonable prices and good service.
Do note that as it is quite popular, you may have to endure a wait, sometimes up to 45 minutes to an hour, but the queue does move fast and some find the experience worth the wait.
Don’t worry as there is also an English menu.
Signatures include the Hakata Shin Shin Ramen (from 710 Yen) and variations with roast pork, boiled egg, and everything.
There are also options such as Fried Ramen Noodles (820 Yen), Champon (850 Yen), Fried Rice (680 Yen) and Gyoza (550 Yen).
There are also sets available which pairs with the fragrant Fried Rice and Gyoza.
The best thing I liked about Shin Shin’s ramen was the broth – rich, moderately creamy and flavourful. It was also not too oily despite its look.
The inclusion of chicken bones in the broth added a different depth to the flavour profile, setting Shin-Shin apart from other tonkotsu ramen offerings in the area.
However, some may find it on the saltier side or prefer a creamier take.
The noodles, thin and served firm, were springy, nicely chewy and had such a delicious bite.
The pan-fried gyoza were smaller than the usual, but I enjoyed it for the almost-paper-thin skin and juicy fillings.
The Fried Rice was notably fragrant and better than average, yet it didn’t impress me in an extraordinary manner.
Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin in Fukuoka is well-known for its rich, creamy pork bone broth and thin, firm noodles. I don’t think it may be the ‘best’ around, but liked it enough and want to have this again.
Shin Shin 博多らーめんShinShin
3 Chome-2-19 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Opening Hours: 11am – 3am (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Shin Shin
DEITOS Annex, 1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat – Sun)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
