Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen

You cannot talk about food in Fukuoka City without the cloudy white pork bone broth of Hakata ramen. Simmered hard over high heat for hours, the soup turns rich with dissolved collagen and clings to the ultra thin straight noodles that recall fine somen from Shimabara. Diners can even order the firmness of the noodles, from kata to barikata, a custom born from the impatient spirit of local people.

Highlights

- A milky rich pork bone soup boiled hard over high heat - Ultra thin straight noodles with adjustable firmness - The kaedama style that lets you add a fresh helping of noodles - A history tracing the cloudy soup to a Kurume shop around 1947

Seasonal Enjoyment

It is eaten all year, but in the bone chilling winter a steaming bowl warms you to the core. On sweaty summer days, add pickled ginger or spicy takana greens to refresh the flavor.

Access and Basics

- Area: centered on Hakata Ward in Fukuoka City and across town - Access: famous shops cluster near JR Hakata Station and Tenjin Station - Budget guide: an affordable price for a single bowl - Tune it to your taste with kaedama and condiments

A Little Advice

Start by ordering normal firmness to find your preference. When you add a kaedama, stir spicy takana into the leftover soup to keep things interesting to the last bite.