Ramen @ Buta Soba Tsukiya, Fukuoka Airport, Fukuoka

 

When someone thinks of pork broth ramen, most would first consider the milky tonkotsu broth in mind. However, not in this joint, where the broth is clear, clean, and lip-smackingly delectable. With a banner that clearly says "clear pork bones" with utmost clarity. Tsukiya is a ramen shop that specialises in clear tonkotsu whereby the soup is as light as a consommé. I would rather consider them shio ramen, as tonkotsu to me has to be that thick and luscious broth. 

Dinner is served. 

And this restaurant only serves that one item. There are no sides, no different flavours, none of that side distractions. There is only siew mai where you can order to round out your meal, but nothing else. It is just noodles with steamed pork. And that is it! Well, at least the decision-making process is very streamlined. And a regular bowl costs 800 yen while one with extra meat is 900 yen. 

Close up with some scallions

So how is it? I was indeed surprised as to how good something this basic was. The soup had a great amount of depth. It was rich, smooth, and had a porky snap, However, it was not greasy or cloying like traditional tonkotsu. It was rather refreshing actually. A lime piece is provided if you would like some zing. But to me, it was good as it is. There was no greasy kickback or a bacon aftertaste. Just a clean and clear porky soup leaving no traces behind. I did use the scallions that they gave with the noodles. 

Clearer than a clean mirror? Not really, but close tnough

The noodles were as good as well. They were relatively simple. But because the broth was so clear, it did not cover the flavour of the noodles themselves. You can really taste good quality wheat behind those strands. Imagine a tasty panini made of quality flour. There was a nuttiness to it that I enjoy. And the noodle strands had a nice snap to it once you bite it down. 

Time to slurp!

Being such a clean and refreshing dish, it is no wonder that the line for this place is insane. It was packed to the brim when I visited. Also, I would not be able to look at airport food the same way again. In fact, the dining area is full of great eateries at decent prices. In the event I am stuck after a flight, I know where to go. So feel free to visit the 3rd floor of the domestic terminal to get your noodle fix. I am sure you would not be dissappointed. 

Nothing left! No better endorsement. 

PS: it should be noted that Buta Soba Tsukiya is a sister outlet of the Tsukiya Ramen Company. As such, there are 4 of them around the country (3 in Fukuoka and 1 in Tokyo). There are Tsukiya outlets that do not sell this type of pork noodles so please take note. It will be easy to tell as they would not have Buta Soba in their mane. And to clear any doubts they are not related to the beef bowl chain Sukiya in any shape or form. 

Front of the house. Props for the skanky Snow White poster.