[Fukuoka's popular restaurant] Noodle lovers rave about this unique, rich tsukemen with a deep flavor and spiciness (Tenjin area)

Hello. I'm Kawai, a writer who covers a wide range of topics from gourmet food to local information.

In the second installment of our series introducing Fukuoka's restaurants that have long lines, we look at the Tenjin Main Branch of Menya Kanetora, a "giant in the Fukuoka tsukemen world" that has three stores in Fukuoka city and opened its first store outside the prefecture at Tosu Premium Outlets in Saga in April 2025.

Noodle lovers line up for "tsukemen" at "Menya Kanetora Tenjin Main Branch" (Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City)

Exit the south exit of Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, cross Kokutai Road, and walk along the elevated tracks to reach Menya Kentora Tenjin Main Branch. The restaurant opened in Akasaka, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City in 2013, and moved to its current location seven years ago.

When they first moved, there were times when there were no lines, but now there are always large numbers of people lining up regardless of opening hours.

Even though it was a weekday, there were about 20 people lined up in front of the store, ranging from local office workers to tourists. Please refer to the instructions at the entrance for how to line up.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The restaurant only has counter seats, with a total of 16 seats. After purchasing a meal ticket from the ticket machine at the entrance, you will be shown to your seat.

You can also hear the lively voices of the staff.

Image: Menya Kanetora

The menu is centered around two types of tsukemen: "Spicy Tsukemen" (1,250 yen) and "Rich Tsukemen" (1,200 yen).

The owner, who trained at the popular tsukemen restaurant "Mensho Inosho" in Tokyo, created this dish with the desire to "make as many people as possible addicted to tsukemen in Kyushu, where there was no tsukemen culture."

Other dishes include "Spicy Spicy Fish Ramen" (1,150 yen) and side dishes such as "Pork Rice" (400 yen) and "Garlic TKG" (200 yen).

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The thick, rich soup and chewy medium-thick noodles are the defining features of this exquisite "spicy tsukemen" that combines spiciness and deliciousness.

This time, I ordered the "Spicy Ajitama Tsukemen" (1,400 yen), which has been popular since the restaurant opened.

It will appear about 3 minutes after you sit down.

The medium-thick noodles, made only from domestically grown wheat, have a rich wheat aroma and a chewy texture. When mixed with the rich soup, they are very satisfying. You can choose the amount of noodles from regular (200g) to medium (300g) for the same price, so order according to how hungry you are. By the way, you can upgrade to a large serving (400g) for an additional 150 yen.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The dipping sauce is made with pork bones, chicken bones, vegetables, and plenty of dried fish such as sardines. The flavors of each ingredient are concentrated to create a rich, thick, and creamy soup. It also contains shredded yuzu as a secret ingredient, so despite its high concentration, it has a refreshing aftertaste.

The "Spicy Tsukemen" I ordered this time contains original chili oil, which not only makes it spicy but also brings out the flavor of the soup.

You can choose the spiciness from four levels, from "mild" to "extremely spicy," but if you've never tried it before, I recommend choosing "mild" (it's still moderately spicy). You can also add more spiciness later.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The dipping sauce is filled with chunks of thickly cut pork belly. You can taste the sweetness of the pork and it has a great texture. The balance of fat and lean meat is just right, so it's not heavy or greasy.

The extra-thick bamboo shoots hidden in the dipping sauce are also delicious.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

Once you've finished the noodles, try adding a little of the bonito broth from the table to the remaining dipping sauce. The rich dipping sauce, combined with the gentle flavor of the broth, makes it easy to drink. You'll be able to enjoy it all, right down to the last drop.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

For those who don't like spicy food, we recommend the "Rich Tsukemen." The generous amount of special fish powder blends well with the rich dipping sauce, allowing you to fully enjoy the original flavor of the soup.

Image: Menya Kanetora

Menya Kanetora is a tsukemen specialty restaurant that represents Fukuoka.

You can eat the same tsukemen at the Tenjin main store introduced this time, as well as the Fukuoka PARCO store and the Hakata Daito store, but you'll inevitably have to wait in line at each store. But here's a bowl worth waiting in line for! (Text by Kawai Tomoya)

＜Click on the store name for more details about the store ↓＞
Menya Kanetora Tenjin Main Branch
Address: Fukushu Building 1F, 4-9-18 Watanabedori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00 (9:45 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) - 22:00
Closed: None
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