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Towering over Dotonbori’s nightlife is a massive dragon sculpture and neon sign. Beneath it, a queue of customers continues even late into the night.
This iconic scene represents Osaka’s “kuidaore” (gourmet indulgence), and at its heart is Kinryu Ramen. Since its founding in 1982, it has delighted the appetites of visitors to Dotonbori for over 40 years.
Offering a light yet flavorful pork bone soup paired with firm medium-thin noodles, Kinryu Ramen delivers a simple yet exquisite dining experience loved by locals and tourists alike. Its reputation as the go-to spot for a comforting bowl of ramen after a night out is well-deserved.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the charm of Kinryu Ramen, exploring its menu and unique features at each location. Let my firsthand report tempt you to say, “I need to try this now!”
Kinryu Ramen is a ramen shop centered around Osaka’s vibrant Minami area in Dotonbori. Established in 1982, its striking red-themed exterior and large dragon sculpture make it a landmark of Dotonbori.
Kinryu Ramen offers a very straightforward menu with just two options: “Ramen” and “Chashu Ramen” (Ramen with extra pork slices). The soup is a light pork bone base paired with straight, medium-thin noodles.
| Ramen | ¥800 |
|---|---|
| Chashu Ramen | ¥1,100 |
The first thing that stood out was the soup. While pork-bone-based, it is remarkably light yet retains the richness characteristic of tonkotsu. Its non-greasy flavor is perhaps the secret to finishing a bowl effortlessly, even late at night.
The medium-thin straight noodles have just the right amount of bite and pair wonderfully with the soup. Crafted with masterful skill, the hand-made noodles maintain their firmness from the first bite to the last. The portion size strikes the perfect balance, leaving you satisfied.
Self-serve toppings like kimchi, garlic chives, and garlic are available to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Adding their special spicy kimchi to the light soup introduces a new level of excitement and flavor variation.
My recommendation? Enjoy the pure flavors of the soup and noodles at first, and then, halfway through, enhance the experience by adding lots of garlic chives and garlic.
The aroma of garlic chives adds a delightful accent, while the garlic deepens the flavor of the pork bone soup. This creates a “two-in-one” experience of enjoying two different flavors in a single bowl. Garlic lovers, don’t hold back!
All Kinryu Ramen branches feature striking dragon sculptures. As highlighted on their official social media, the designs of the dragons vary slightly between locations, adding an element of discovery for returning visitors.
Currently, Kinryu Ramen operates five branches around the Dotonbori area.
| Store Name | Description | Business Hours | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sōemonchō Main Store | Located in the heart of Dotonbori Shopping Street, a prime tourist spot in Osaka. | Open 24 hours | 1 - 1-18 Dotonbori, Chuo - ku, Osaka, Japan |
| Dotonbori Branch | Located in the center of Dotonbori Shopping Street. Known for the dragon tail incident. | Open 24 hours | 1 - 7-26 Dotonbori, Chuo - ku, Osaka, Japan |
| Midosuji Branch | Situated at the entrance of Dotonbori Shopping Street. Known for its standing style that ensures quick turnover. | Open 24 hours | 1 - 7-12 Namba, Chuo - ku, Osaka, Japan |
| Ebisubashi Branch | Famous for its interior adorned with dragon murals. | 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | 3 - 3 Namba, Chuo - ku, Osaka, Japan |
| Namba Sennichimae Branch | Conveniently located in a bustling area, making it ideal for a quick stop during shopping or sightseeing. Also visited by BIGBANG. | Open 24 hours | 11 - 20 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo - ku, Osaka, Japan |
Midosuji Branch
Dotonbori Branch (Before the dragon tail incident)
Ebisubashi Branch (Dragon murals on the interior)
Kinryu Ramen’s bowl offers the perfect harmony of light pork bone soup, firm noodles, and tender chashu. Despite its simple menu, the customizable toppings add an element of fun, ensuring you enjoy every last bite.
This is, indeed, “the ramen you’ll want to eat as a nightcap.”
With its distinctive exterior, Kinryu Ramen has become a prominent icon of Dotonbori, Osaka. Concentrated in the Dotonbori and Namba areas, it is easily noticeable and a must-visit spot for travelers.
When you visit Dotonbori, make sure to savor the flavors of Kinryu Ramen.
