On a scorching hot day with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, I was craving something spicy! While looking up restaurants in the Kyoto area, I came across this place with a striking red sign. It's located in Ichijoji, known as the holy land of Kyoto ramen. Pronounced as "Gokkei." I was hesitant to wait in line due to the heat, but we arrived just after 2 p.m. and were able to enter without waiting. We purchased meal tickets at the ticket machine on the left as soon as we entered. The restaurant has 5 counter seats, 1 table, and 2 sunken kotatsu tables, which is not very efficient. The "Akadaku" ramen (regular size for 1,000 yen) was amazing. Thick noodles from Kyoto's Taieki, covered in a sea of chili peppers, and when mixed, the chicken broth becomes thick and creamy. The richness of the chicken broth is outstanding. The spiciness of the chili peppers is not overpowering in terms of quantity, and the chicken wraps it up, making it refreshing and easy to eat. Although it looks heavy, it's not at all! The other specialty, the Chinese-style sausage, was not to my taste. This series of thick soups—chicken, red, shrimp, yellow (curry), mackerel, and bonito—might seem intimidating, but you'll want to conquer them. This ramen is a must-try for ramen enthusiasts. The eccentricity of Kyoto ramen is boldly showcased here. When taking the Eizan Electric Railway to Ichijoji, be aware that it operates with two-car trains and is driver-only operated. So, if you get off at Ichijoji on a weekday, you must exit from the front door of the driver's compartment. Thank you for the meal!

Visited around 11:00 on Saturday. Although I heard they open at 11:30, they were already open, so there was almost no wait to get in. I ordered the classic chicken ramen. The thick noodles went well with the rich chicken broth. It was a bit heavy for me since I'm not young anymore, but I would like to go again if I have the chance.

Today, I went to Ichijoji, one of the top battlefields in the ramen world. I was unsure where to go, but I decided on Gokukei, the number one restaurant on Tabelog. I arrived at 11:30, and as expected of a top-ranked restaurant, it was already full! My expectations kept rising! I was able to enter after about 10 minutes, and my ramen arrived in about 2 minutes! First, I took a sip of the thick soup and noodles - Wow, this is delicious! I finished it all without stopping! When you visit Ichijoji, be sure to stop by. No other thoughts except that it's delicious! I recommend adding green onions as a topping!

Third visit. I arrived around 11 o'clock and was able to get in on the first round of opening. The chicken white broth is quite rich. The base is chicken broth, but today I ordered the black broth with spicy chili oil. At first, the noodles and soup are not mixed, so you have to mix them yourself as you eat. I think a regular size is enough to fill you up.

I took a bus from Shijo Takakura, and as we continued down a dark road for a while, I started feeling a bit anxious. (Kyoto gets dark quickly once you cross the river.) I got off at a bus stop with only a gas station and a river, (someone else got off too) and wondered if there really was a ramen shop in a place like this, so I kept walking while looking at Google. (There was a nice public bath on the way.) Oh. (The person who got off the same bus was indeed heading to the same destination. Good thing I walked fast.) I bought a ticket for chicken ramen and rice, and asked for half portion of noodles. All the staff were so kind. Thank you very much. The ramen that came out had a thick soup just as rumored! Wow. I tried to make a lotus flower stand secretly, but it didn't quite stand up. The saltiness was not strong, and it felt like drinking a delicious chicken potage. It was gentle despite its appearance. If I were to compare it to Eyeshield, it's like Banba of the Solar Sphinx (Defensive Tackle). The rice was perfectly cooked and tasty. It was all-you-can-eat, but I declined since I have plans for the next meal... being an adult... The restaurant and the ramen were both warm, and I thought it was worth coming all the way here. Good job, good job, next time. (This is Ichijoji!)

I visited on my way back from a trip to Shiga! I was looking forward to my visit after about 4 years! The food was still deliciously gooey as ever! However, I'm not sure if my taste buds have changed, but it was a bit different from before and I was disappointed. On the way back, I returned home feeling somewhat sad!

Hello! I visited Ramen Gokkei in Ichijoji, Kyoto. The restaurant had only 2 tables and a counter, making it a small establishment. It was quite popular, so there was a long line, but luckily we were able to get in smoothly that day. I ordered the Tori-daku and Aka-daku ramen. The soup was very rich, but not too heavy and quite delicious. The Aka-daku had a lot of chili peppers, but it wasn't too spicy, just the right balance. The service was good, and I enjoyed my meal comfortably. Thank you for the meal.

On September 2nd at 2:30 PM, I went to a popular restaurant for a late lunch without waiting in line. I chose the Tori Paitan ramen with extra shrimp topping, opting for a large serving and adding a side of egg over rice with char siu topping for 1750 yen. The egg over rice arrived first, allowing me to savor it by mixing it with the salty flavor of the char siu without soy sauce. When the shrimp topping arrived, its aroma was delightful and served as a great accent to the rich soup, which I enjoyed without getting tired of it and finished completely. I also ordered a second serving of rice, but overall, the ramen was quite salty, giving me the feeling of it being more like a main dish rather than a side dish like in a traditional ramen. Upon leaving the restaurant, I noticed a long line forming, confirming its popularity.

Visited together with my partner to relive a nostalgic taste. We arrived after 6 pm and there was already a line. Luckily, the turnover was fast and we were able to get in relatively quickly! We ordered the most popular dish, the "Extreme Chicken Daiku". This truly embodies the concept of eating soup! It was cooked until the ingredients in the stew were meltingly tender, creating a thick consistency. I ended up drinking quite a bit of the soup ☺️ Make sure to mix the noodles and soup thoroughly from the bottom, as they won't combine otherwise! It's understandable why some people become addicted to this unique ramen. It was interesting because it's unlike any other ramen I've had before! Thank you for the meal!

I had the "Gokkei Tori Toridakudaku Half & Half" at Ramenya Gokkei in Ichijoji, Kyoto. This place is a must-visit for ramen lovers, drawing a diverse crowd from students to families to ramen enthusiasts from all over. The standout menu item is the rich "Chicken White Soup" that has impressed many foodies in the area. The Toridakudaku Half & Half I tried was recommended by the staff. The soup base is made by simmering chicken bones and meat for about half a day, resulting in a smooth and elegant flavor without any unpleasant aftertaste. The noodles, from Kyoto's renowned noodle maker "Menya Teioku," are a perfect match for the soup, flavorful with a great texture. The balance of spiciness in the soup is just right, not overwhelming but impressively well-rounded. This is true "eating soup" – rich yet clean in taste, showcasing skillful craftsmanship. This bowl at Ramenya Gokkei offers more than just a meal, it provides an experience beyond expectations. A bowl that promises a moment of bliss alongside exquisite ramen. Thank you for the wonderful meal! 🍜

Ordered the most delicious ramen in my life, the Tori-Daku Ramen with rice. It's super rich, yet not overwhelming, and you can keep eating it without getting tired. The toppings of chashu, green onions, and bamboo shoots are all perfect. Especially the green onions are the best match! The rice soaked in the soup is also delicious. This is the ramen I want to eat at least one more time before I die.

On August 27, 2023, on the way back from a trip to Yamaguchi Prefecture to support my favorite soccer team, we unexpectedly stopped by a highly-rated Kyoto ramen shop known for its thick chicken-based broth. Upon arrival, there were about 10 people waiting outside the shop. After waiting for about 20 minutes, we were seated inside and purchased a ticket for the Chicken Daku ramen priced at 950 yen from the ticket machine. We sat at the counter seats and our ramen arrived in about 10 minutes. The noodles were straight and medium-thin, accompanied by slices of chashu, flavorful menma, white negi, and what seemed to be radish sprouts. The soup was a thick chicken broth that was incredibly delicious. We enjoyed the noodles, soup, and toppings, and finished our meal with great satisfaction. It was a delightful dining experience. By the way, it was mentioned that this shop has supervised the production of cup ramen sold at FamilyMart. Ramen Shop: Gokkei Chicken Daku, 950 yen. Address: 29-7 Ichiijoji Nishitojikawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

This is Menya Kyokuto. It was a visit after finishing business in Kyoto, from Demachiyanagi to Ichijoji. It's nice that Kyokuto is open all day. No line at the storefront? The interior is full, waited outside for a while, and entered the store in about 10 minutes. What's on the menu this time? Black duck. Boiled egg is also a topping, served on a separate plate. First, I'll start with the thick chicken broth soup. The rich and flavorful soup that makes it seem like the chopsticks will stand on their own, a delicious soup that directly conveys the umami of the chicken, and the aroma of burnt garlic black ma oil is also good. The thin noodles, boiled slightly firm, stick well to the thick soup and taste delicious. The white leeks along with the noodles have a nice texture. A sprinkle of red pepper adds a hint of spiciness, making it even more delicious. The thick and crunchy bamboo shoots are also delicious. The topped boiled egg, placed on the bowl, has a creamy, semi-soft yolk that is perfectly seasoned and delicious. The seared chashu has a meaty texture and a crispy, flavorful taste. Finally, I finished the whole dish by eating the thick soup with a ladle. It was a delicious bowl of rich and thick chicken broth soup.

I went to Kyoto early to support the Avispa Fukuoka vs. Kyoto game, so I visited the famous Gokurakuji for the first time in 7 years. I arrived at 12 o'clock, but there was no line like before, and I was able to get in after about 20 minutes. This time, I ordered the Red Half & Half in a large size. The appearance is very red, but it's not that spicy, and it was still the same thick and rich chicken-flavored ramen as before. It's a unique deliciousness. It's quite far from my home, but I'd like to visit again when I go to Kyoto. Next time, I wonder if I should try the black or fish ramen.

Date: August 18, 2023 (Friday) #202nd visit Restaurant: Menya Kyokutei Dish: Tori Daku (Chicken Ramen) for 950 yen Location: 29-7 Ichijoji Nishitozakawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Access: 5-minute walk from Ichijoji Station Operating Hours: 11:30-22:00, Closed on Mondays Seating: 19 seats (5 counter seats, 1 table, 2 tatami rooms) Payment: Cash only Arrival Time: 15:20 Served Dish: 15:45 Review: I've always wanted to come here with my friend, and finally made it! Sorry for jumping the gun! As soon as the dish arrived, I noticed that the noodles were placed on top of the soup, not submerged. This visual cue indicated the soup's richness. The soup was as thick as Daio-Tei's, almost having solid bits here and there. It was incredibly flavorful without being overwhelming, making it easy to enjoy. Mixing the noodles thoroughly, the lifting action created a delightful slurping experience. The noodles were thin and low in water content. The tender chashu and large yet easy-to-eat menma added freshness. Although I couldn't finish the soup, I managed to finish the whole dish. Thank you for the meal! Tip: Since the turnover rate seems slow, aiming for such idle times might be a good idea. Tags: #Ramen #NoodleEnthusiast #NoodleLift #Noodlestagram #NoodleNaviTokai #ConnectingwithRamenLovers #KyotoRamen #KansaiRamen #KyotoGourmet #KyotoLunch #HighlyRatedOnTabelog #ramen

On Sunday night around 9 p.m., there were about 5 groups waiting in line. As a beginner, I chose the basic ramen. The soup was so heavy that I couldn't lift my chopsticks, but it was delicious and easy to eat, tastier than it looked. The chashu and shinachiku were also delicious.

This is a ramen shop located between Ichijoji and Shugakuin. This area is known as a competitive ramen district in Kyoto. The ramen has a soup that is more like a thick sauce with noodles in it. It's quite a surprising ramen. Personally, I recommend the Red Duck ramen.

Today, I came to my eldest son's dormitory in Kyoto to clean and do laundry. Various items are scattered around the floor, making it difficult to walk. It's his first time living alone, so it's understandable, but it's important to regularly clean to avoid a big mess. After cleaning, I visited the Silver Pavilion for sightseeing and had ramen for lunch in Ichijoji. Ichijoji is known as a fierce battleground for ramen in the Kansai region, located near Ichijoji Station in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. There are many popular ramen shops in the area. One of them is "Menya Gokukei," known for its super rich thick chicken broth ramen, located along Higashioji Street, also known as Ichijoji Ramen Street. The shop opens at 11:30 a.m. After lining up at 10:30 a.m. under the scorching sun, the shop surprisingly opened at 10:40 a.m. The thick chicken white broth soup, resembling curry or potage, is not as heavy as it looks. The toppings include thick menma, chashu, and white leeks. When you lift the noodles, the soup rises with it. The "Akadaku" with plenty of red pepper flakes is not as spicy as it looks, offering a nice kick. You can also get a set with egg over rice for an additional 250 yen. The rice is refillable, so you can enjoy it with the leftover soup. Since they opened earlier than planned, there is no longer a long line.

To Kyoto Ramen Gokkei, ranked 2nd on Tabelog. As expected from a popular spot, I went early and they were already handing out numbered tickets. The turnover is fast, so the wait wasn't too long. I ordered the Half Chicken Daku and Red Daku, with seasoned egg topping, and Tamago Kake Gohan. Choosing the half portion for the Red Daku was a good call, as it was quite powdery. The soup is known as "cement-style," thick and rich. It was more like mixed noodles than soup. It's quite filling, so I regret ordering the Tamago Kake Gohan. Next time, I want to try the tsukemen.

Visited one of my favorite spots in Kyoto, "Gokkei," once again. Arrived around 3 PM to avoid the usual long line. Despite that, customers kept coming in non-stop. Tried the "Black Duck" (¥1000) for the first time this visit. It's the normal Black Duck with Ma Oil. Yep, this is it. The one-of-a-kind soup. Felt a bit heavier than before, but that's probably just due to getting older. You have to mix this soup like Tsukemen, or it won't blend well. While mixing, the Ma Oil seemed to dilute and honestly didn't feel that different. Well, it does make the visual look cooler, so it's like paying an extra 50 yen for that Instagrammable touch. It was delicious again today.