When it comes to “Hakata ramen,” I used to only know Ippudo. So, when I had the chance to visit Fukuoka, I was determined to try authentic Hakata ramen. This time, I had lunch at the main location of Shin Shin (博多らーめん Shin-Shin 天神本店). It’s a very popular spot, and even though I arrived after 4 p.m., there was still a long line of people waiting.
Inside the shop, the walls are covered with countless autographs from celebrities and notable visitors.
The seating options include both counter and tatami-style seats, accommodating many customers. If no seats are available, you’ll need to wait across the road, and the line starts at the left end.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, with English, Chinese, and Korean translations available. Aside from their signature Hakata tonkotsu ramen, you’ll find options like chanpon, abura soba, and baked ramen. They also serve dishes that pair well with alcoholic drinks.
I ordered the most basic item on the menu, Hakata ShinShin ramen. The tonkotsu soup was light with no unpleasant odor, and the toppings included green onions, wood ear mushrooms, and two slices of tender, juicy roast pork. The shop’s philosophy is to create ramen that people can enjoy every day, and I completely agree. It’s not overly rich or heavy—perfect for regular meals
You can choose the firmness of your noodles. I ordered mine cooked to a normal firmness. At first, they were slightly firm, but since the noodles are thin like vermicelli, they softened quickly, pairing well with the crunchy texture of the wood ear mushrooms.
Partway through, I added some red ginger for a change in flavor. It was a nice complement to the classic taste of Hakata ramen.
The table is stocked with various seasonings, including red ginger, chili oil, gyoza dipping sauce, sesame seeds, and pepper.
I’d love to visit Shin Shin again and try some side dishes with a cold beer next time!
About
Name Shin Shin Head shop (博多らーめん Shin-Shin 天神本店)
Open Day through midnight
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Available
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