Shinpuku Saikan - Main Shop

Good shouyu (soy sauce) based ramen bar with an English menu. The flavour was quite salty, and while it was delicious, it could have been more balanced.

The meal was good value with lots of pork. There was a staff member who could speak english which was helpful. For 2500 yen I got a large bowl of ramen with extra pork, an extra plate of meat and vegetables, and a large bottle or beer.

The pork was tasty, though contained many pieces of fat scattered around the bowl for flavour. I know some Japanese love that, but it's not to my taste.

It was packed even in the middle of winter , and had a small line outside , though not as long as next door.

I was intrigued by the place when, walking alongside by chance, there was a very long queue of only Japanese people, no tourists.
The restaurant is close to Kyoto station and it is very easy to get there.
The restaurant is very simple and they make you order already in line, so that when you sit down the food is ready.
I ordered a large yaki meshi (700 yen) and a portion of Nikuome (950 yen), ramen with pork slices.
Soy sauce is used in both dishes and makes the rice darker and the ramen broth practically black.
The flavours were incredible and I will struggle to forget them.
The rice was very balanced and tasty and the pork in the ramen was cooked perfectly and had absorbed the delicious flavour of the broth. The same goes for the noodles as well.
I accompanied this with a kirin beer (they only serve bottled asahi and kirin), water is free.
I recommend this place for those who are passing through and for those who are not, there is a wait but it is really worth it!

I've always been a fan of tonkotsu broth, but my taste buds took a delightful detour when I sampled the shoyu broth at Shinpuku Saikan. It was truly a treat, offering a refreshing taste without the overpowering richness often associated with tonkotsu broths. The broth was incredibly flavorful, and the chewy noodles created the perfect harmony for my palate. On a whim, I tried the fried rice, and it instantly became a top favorite, evoking fond memories of home in the US. Despite its soy sauce-dark appearance, both dishes are meticulously crafted by the master chef, showcasing a thoughtful blend of ingredients. p.s. make sure you get there early to avoid long lines.