Kumamoto Ramen @ Kokutei, Shimodori, Kumamoto

 

Coming from a ramen crazed part of the country, there are many a times where we just put aside the other varieties that are in store. Especially if it is not a prefecture where the ramen ecosystem is not as well known or popular as the rest of the country like Hokkaido or Kitakata. This would have been a grave mistake and lucky for me, a friend who has lived in Kumamoto has helped me realise the error of my ways. 

Classic ramen store decor

Kokutei is a ramen shop born and raised in Kumamoto and its specialty is the local Kumamoto style ramen. It has a specific recipe whereby roasted garlic is included in the pork base broth. On the outset it would seem like it is just tonkotsu with a bit of garlic oil. But thinking that way is a bit of an oversimplification. Being a strong institution of the prefecture, there are a few stops strewn around Kumamoto city. However, my friend recommended me to try the shop located at the shopping street area of Shimotori.

Not the average bowl

Being beaten down by the intense summer heat, I was very hungry. So a ramen bowl with everything in it seems like a good idea. And when ordered alongside a plate of gyoza, the whole meal stood at 1550 yen. Seems typical for a ramen lunch. But what came out in my bowl was everything but typical. Firstly, the eggs were raw! 2 yolks were floating on the soup like a pair of setting suns, thus giving this meal a stunning imagery. It should be noted that you can choose the standard boiled egg for this. But as the raw eggs were the ones advertised I felt more inclined in getting them. And with black specks of roasted garlic scattered around the ramen bowl, this is anything but ordinary. 

More raw than Mondays!

Despite that, there is a familiar comfort to the overall meal. The soup had a comforting flavour, similar to a tonkotsu but not as intense. The roasted garlic provided a nice nutty aroma, but not as punchy as raw chopped garlic which is more commonplace in Fukuoka. There was a nice balance in all of this. And the egg added some richness when you break the yolk and mix it with the rest of the glorious liquid that is the broth. 

Thunder struck

The noodles were also well done. Nothing special, but simple stuff done right. It had a springy texture, again very similar to the noodles you can get from its Hakata cousins. The noodles also have a nice grainy taste to it, like bread but in noodle form. However, a huge shoutout needs to be given to the charshu. They were thick, meaty and had so much flavour. With a bit of pork fat encasing the sides, they make for some great eating. And it may not be obvious, but the bowl was loaded with vegetables too. With wood ear mushrooms, beansprouts and green onions, they provided a nice crunch and freshness. 

Side companion

The gyoza was also not bad as well, especially when they came with the crispy wings. The filling is also decent. Nothing mind blowing, but still rather enjoyable. Dipping it with some sauce and you get a great tag team partner with the noodles. 

Front of the house. 

Although this is my first time having Kumamoto style ramen, I hope this is not my last. There is a sense of familiarity with the eating experience but at the same time, its unique on its own too. Definitely worth the trouble in getting if you are in the prefecture, especially if you are a fan of good noodles. It should be noted that there are a few outlets in the city. If you fancy a go to the branch that I went, the address is as follows:  

〒860-0807 Kumamoto, Chuo Ward, Shimotori, 1 Chome−7−14 Noguchi Building 1F