If you know ramen, then you know some of the best places, like Bunryu, are found in the warehouse districts. Instead of a snazzy decor, Bunryu focuses on getting the food right: from the handmade pork broth (made from Japanese pork bones) and noodles made on the premises, to the braised pork and boiled eggs. The super thin noodles pair perfectly with the light yet rich pork bone broth. What’s more, compared to other tonkotsu ramen, Bunryu’s is surprisingly odourless and light. The bowls are slightly smaller (like back in the day), so you can drink your soup to the last drop without getting too full. Feel free to season your ramen with tare (sauce), pickled red ginger and sesame seeds. And this being Fukuoka, you can also order kaedama (noodle refills). Bunryu’s ramen evolved to accommodate the busy wholesale market workers who wanted a quick, light meal. So if you prefer a less heavy bowl of ramen, this is the place for you.
Menu (tax incl.): Ramen ¥550, ramen w/boiled egg ¥650, ramen w/ veggies ¥650, pork rice w/ takana ¥300, ramen set +¥280 (incl. half bowl of fried rice), Special Set +¥380 (incl. half bowl of fried rice & 4 gyoza), broiled pork ¥380, fried rice ¥550
*Prices to change from Oct. 1, 2019 following tax increase
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn202, Oct. 2015)