[Fukuoka's popular ramen shop] Ramen lovers flock to this place! Exquisite pork bone ramen with cappuccino-like bubbles (Hakata Station Soba)

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

In the third installment of our series introducing popular Fukuoka restaurants that have long lines, we will be looking at the Hakata Station East Main Branch of Hakata Isso, a tonkotsu ramen restaurant with three locations in Fukuoka City.

Tourists line up at Hakata Isso Hakataeki Higashi Main Branch, a famous tonkotsu ramen restaurant representing Fukuoka (Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City)

Hakata Isso Hakata Station East Main Store is located about a 6-minute walk from the Chikushi Exit of JR Hakata Station.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

Suddenly, a line of people appears in an area lined with office buildings. On this day, there were about 30 people queuing in front of the store. As it is near a terminal station, it seems to be relatively popular with tourists.

It has the longest lines, even compared to the Gion store, which has the same opening hours, and the Nakasu store, which is only open in the evenings.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

You purchase a meal ticket from the ticket machine at the entrance and are then guided inside the restaurant. Please note that payment is cash only.

The menu includes "Ramen" (900 yen), "Char Siu Ramen" (1,100 yen), and "Wonton Ramen" (1,100 yen). Value menus such as "A Lunch" (1,000 yen), which is a set of ramen and unlimited rice, and "B Lunch" (1,250 yen), which is a set of ramen and a staff bowl, are also available day and night.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

There are 9 seats at the counter where you can watch the ramen being made right before your eyes, as well as 12 table seats. There are many energetic staff members, and the lively atmosphere inside the restaurant left a good impression.

Image: Hakata Issou

Enjoy the famous ramen that gave rise to the recent boom in foamy pork bone ramen

Among the various menu items, I decided to order the popular "Ajitama Ramen" (1,050 yen).

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The biggest feature of Hakata Isso's tonkotsu ramen is the rich soup that the owners, the Yamada brothers, created in pursuit of the Hakata flavor.

It uses two to three times as many bones as regular tonkotsu ramen, including carefully prepared pig skulls, backbones, and knuckles. The bones are simmered over high heat until they are pulverized, amplifying the flavor. It also uses a blend of three different soup stocks with different simmering times and concentrations.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

It is paired with an original blend of soy sauce from Fukuoka Prefecture, and several types of seafood are added to create a deep flavor.

The finished soup has a layer of umami-packed fat bubbles floating on the surface, which is why it's also known as "pork bone cappuccino." The sharpness and umami flavor coexist beautifully, and it's simply delicious! Nowadays, ramen with bubbles floating on top has become commonplace in Fukuoka, but without Hakata Isso, this style may not have been accepted by ramen lovers.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The noodles specially ordered from "Seimenya Keishi" have a high water content. They have a smooth texture and go down smoothly. They mix well with the soup, and when you slurp, the distinctive aroma of pork bone broth fills your nose.

Many people order "kaedama" (replacement noodles) (150 yen), which allows you to adjust the firmness of the noodles.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

The toppings, which are made with carefully selected ingredients, include simply seasoned pork fillets, Itoshima green onions, wood ear mushrooms, seaweed, and seasoned eggs. These excellent supporting ingredients enhance the flavor of the main ingredients, the soup and noodles, without interfering with them.

Don't miss the free condiments on the table, including sesame and garlic, as well as the mustard greens and ginger that are staples of Hakata ramen, so try adding them to your liking.

Image: Tomoya Kawai

Once you try it, you'll understand why it's so popular and will be satisfied.

There are a fair number of seats and the turnover is fast, so waiting in line isn't too bad. If you're someone who's been putting off by the queues, I recommend you give it a try. (Text by Kawai Tomoya)

＜Click on the store name for more details about the store ↓＞
■Hakata Issou Hakata Station East Main Store
Address: 3-1-6 Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-24:00 *Ends when soup is sold out
Closed: Irregular holidays
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