Highly popular long-standing ramen restaurant famous for Nagahama ramen in Koenji, called "Hyakumeiten". I had been curious about this place for a while, and finally got the chance to visit. I arrived at 11:45 and there were already 4 customers waiting, with a line of about 20 people forming by the 12:00 opening time. Truly a popular spot. I managed to enter during the first round. You can freely enjoy boiled eggs, which are piled up next to the vending machine. While waiting for the ramen to arrive, I peeled the eggshells. My order was as follows: - Ramen 900 yen - Green onion 100 yen - Extra noodles 100 yen Total 1100 yen It took about 15 minutes from the first customer entering until receiving the ramen, perhaps due to preparations taking time during opening. What followed was truly amazing. The first customer left and the time it took to serve the next batch of customers was astounding. They took the order, started boiling the noodles, and within a minute of sitting down, the ramen was served! I was impressed by their efficiency. The interior of the restaurant may not be pristine, but it exudes a unique pork bone aroma, truly resembling a ramen shop from Kyushu. Personally, I found it quite charming. Starting with the soup, the Nagahama ramen from Kyushu was delightful, with a perfect balance of flavor and sweetness. The noodles were thin as expected, and I mixed in toppings like wood ear mushrooms, pickled ginger, and mustard greens while savoring the soup. I finished the noodles lightly and moved on to the second bowl with extra noodles. I experimented with various toppings to alter the flavors. Although there were some unique rules at the restaurant that I initially didn't understand, the owner, who seemed to be a fan of E.Yazawa, kindly explained everything. It was a rare find to encounter such a perfect ramen shop. Even if they were to expand to Kyushu, I believe they would still be one of the top ramen shops. I will definitely be coming back again.

Ordered ramen! The rich pork bone aroma fills the air! This place serves authentic Hakata-style ramen just like from a street vendor!! Some people may be put off by the smell, but I got used to it while eating (^^) Adding pickled ginger makes it refreshing and tones down the smell! (So, is pickled ginger a must with tonkotsu ramen?) Truly a rich and tasty bowl! This is my third stop today and I even ordered extra noodles twice... Tonkotsu ramen is just so light and easy to eat, you can have as much as you want (^^) Thank you for the meal!

I really wanted to visit here, so I stayed overnight after going to the office in Tokyo for my first visit to Kentas. Despite being a weekday, there was already a line of over 20 people waiting for the store to open, which is impressive. The soup is not extremely rich, more on the watery side, but the flavor is outstanding with a strong umami taste that is irresistible to ramen lovers. For a flat rate of ¥1,000, you can add spicy mustard greens, crushed garlic, pickled ginger, and even get a noodle refill, making it a great deal and very satisfying. "Gochisousama" (thanks for the meal) indeed!

From Koenji Station, I headed straight north towards the shopping street, where "Ramen Kenta" is located. I had been wanting to try their famous "Smelly Delicious Tonkotsu Ramen" for a while. As I walked from the station, even though the store was still quite far away, I could smell garlic in the air, which got me excited. When I arrived at the store, there was no line... Did they already run out of soup and close for the day? As I entered, I noticed a sign on the button of the ticket vending machine. A tall staff member in a headband and apron approached me and said, "That'll be 1,000 yen," so I handed over the cash. No options for ramen types or noodle firmness were given. I saw a tray with towels in a basket on top of the vending machine, along with ladles. Nearby, there was a water dispenser and paper cups, so I realized it was self-service and grabbed a towel, water, and ladle to take to my seat. After a short wait, a bowl of ramen with green onions, seaweed, and noodles was served. In front of me, there were chili oil, sesame seeds, peeled garlic cloves, and a tool to crush them. I crushed three and added them to my ramen. None of the other customers were doing this (laughs). I noticed that everyone seemed to order "kaedama" (extra noodles after finishing the first serving, a common practice in ramen shops). At least one person had ordered "kaedama" 4-5 times (laughs). I soon realized that they weren't paying for these extra servings. Wait, is this an "unlimited free kaedama" offer? This was a bit too much and felt confusing (laughs). Also, they operated with a "no leftovers" policy where customers had to throw away their towels, paper cups, chopsticks, and leftover soup by themselves, placing their bowl, ladle, and other items in designated areas. If a customer left something behind, the lone staff member would quickly point and instruct them where to dispose of it. The staff member would face away from customers to cook noodles each time an order was placed or "kaedama" was requested. Once ready, they would turn around without checking who made the request and hand the noodles directly to the customer. Once, I accidentally requested "kaedama" when the staff member was facing away, and without hesitation, they handed the noodles to me as soon as they were ready. They then asked me to move my bowl a bit closer (laughs). The staff member also showed a warm smile to customers enjoying their ramen beside them, extending their hand and jokingly reminding them, "You still owe me money." It was interesting to see how they delivered uncomfortable messages with a big smile (laughs). When customers left, they said "Thank you for the meal!" with a surprisingly strong voice, which felt a bit strange. It might be a way to show gratitude for the one-staff operation and the free kaedama offer. I did the same before leaving. Just as the staff member's phone rang and they answered, they turned back for a moment and shouted, "Thank you very much!" It was a unique experience. Thank you.

The heat has subsided in mid-September, but it's still muggy in the evenings in Tokyo, Koenji. Tonight, as I walked wondering whether to have back fat ramen at Hopeken in Nogata or the new restaurant Fukuhou in Koenji, which is in the Enjou Sanjo style, I was surprised to see Nagahama Ramen Kenta open! Not only was the owner Kenta, but there was another person in the kitchen. (Later found out on Twitter that his name is Terada) Kenta, who usually only serves ramen during the day or closes early, was open tonight, so I decided to change my plans and go to Nagahama Ramen Kenta. This was my long-awaited first visit. There used to be eggs, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and regulatory easing, the system has changed, with a ramen bowl now costing 1,000 yen and free extra noodles available? The atmosphere was very much like a food stall, with customers drinking beer and enjoying hormone yaki as snacks. A few days ago, I saw them doing air conditioning work. Was the air conditioning broken? When another regular customer said, "It must have been tough," Kenta replied, "It's a little cooler now, so I'm not sweating as much." However, the smell of tonkotsu and the smoke and heat from the hormone yaki made it hot and stuffy inside. Tonight, it was ticket purchase only, so I bought a 1,000 yen ramen ticket and sat at the only available seat. The towel was much appreciated. In less than a minute, the ramen was served. This speed is typical of authentic Nagahama ramen. Before even taking a bite, my sense of smell was already overwhelmed by the intense tonkotsu aroma, making it feel like I was slurping through my nose. This unique umami flavor is akin to Oten in Tokyo, and it is a taste of the traditional style. Toppings included green onions and chashu only. The chashu was not greasy but had a meaty, firm texture. The noodles, even though they were very thin, managed to carry the soup well into my mouth. This taste is hard to describe in my limited vocabulary. I highly recommend experiencing it firsthand. It may not be for everyone, but it's a taste of Hakata in Tokyo. I read somewhere that Kenta retrained in Hakata during the coronavirus pandemic. While sticking to traditional style, I look forward to seeing Kenta continue to evolve. Thank you for the meal.

This shop is amazing! First of all, the atmosphere of the shop is unique. It seems like they are using a property that was previously a store called Joy Foods Sanko, and the interior has a traditional feel with stoves and pots laid out in a space like a dirt floor, with tables and chairs lined up next to them where everyone is eating ramen. It's kind of hard to describe in words, so I recommend experiencing it yourself by visiting the place. Also, the ticket machine was broken, so the owner was taking cash from customers waiting in line outside while cooking. Once you sit down, your order is placed in front of you, and you can start eating your ramen. Additionally, the 1000 yen price for the ramen might seem expensive, but it actually includes unlimited extra noodles. However, this information is not provided, so customers can keep ordering extra noodles without additional charges. The ramen itself is delicious, especially the broth, which is full of umami flavors. The noodles are slightly firm and cooked to the owner's preference. The table also has various condiments for flavor customization. The toppings include one thin slice of pork, green onions, and seaweed, with no option for additional toppings. Overall, the cost-performance ratio may not be the best if you don't order extra noodles. After finishing the ramen, customers are expected to pour any leftover broth into a bucket placed inside the shop, which was quite surprising. There are more things I want to write about, but this review is getting too long. Thank you for the meal!

This summer, the hottest place is Kenji in Koenji. Due to a ticket machine malfunction, a subscription system for tonkotsu ramen was introduced this summer. Just bring 1000 yen, and you can have as many bowls of ramen and extra noodles as you want, along with free toppings like pickled vegetables, red ginger, and garlic. However, the complimentary boiled egg is no longer available, and additional toppings come at an extra cost. All you have to do is hand over 1000 yen and then sit down to enjoy your ramen endlessly. They don't ask about the firmness of the noodles, but they are firm enough that even those who prefer extra firm noodles will be satisfied. The piping hot soup in the non-air-conditioned shop is truly impressive. The steaming hot soup stands out more for its freshness than for the fermenting tonkotsu flavor. Although there is a strong tonkotsu aroma, the soup is quite clear and refreshing. This balance makes it popular among women, I suppose. I enjoyed two full servings of extra noodles while changing up the flavors with pickles, red ginger, garlic, and sesame. They even accommodate half servings of extra noodles. Back when I used to eat ramen in the Hakata area of Kyushu in my younger days, all I needed was tonkotsu soup, firm noodles, and green onions – extras like char siu and eggs weren't necessary. This memory from those days suddenly came to mind in the sweltering heat of Koenji this summer.

When it comes to Hakata-style pork bone ramen in Tokyo, this place is top-notch. At first, you might doubt if this is the right place due to its unassuming appearance, but once you try the ramen, there's no mistaking it. The rich and delicious pork bone ramen is flavorful without being too heavy, and you can easily go for multiple extra noodle servings. I enjoyed three extra servings while savoring the fresh garlic, pickled greens, and red ginger on the table. Currently, they are operating at a flat rate of 1000 yen due to a ticket machine malfunction, and the all-you-can-eat extra noodle option is much appreciated.

It's been a long time since I last saw Kenta. Oh? The system has changed. Now you pay ten dollars upfront and can have as many extra servings as you like! Seriously? Isn't this a price reduction in disguise? Impressive, this is quite something nowadays. Once seated, the ramen arrives without having to say a word! Topped with plenty of green onions. Wow, it feels like an old-fashioned Hakata ramen shop. I'm not sure what it's like these days, but when I was in Hakata, ramen would arrive without having to say anything once you entered a ramen shop. Extra servings for free – amazing. My husband orders his usual two extra servings. I also have an extra serving. Whatever we can't finish goes into my husband's stomach. Ahh, my stomach is about to burst. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal!

Nakasu Yatai Nagahama Ramen 1st Generation Kenta Ramen is a shop where you can fully enjoy the authentic taste of ramen. I finally visited for the first time, where you can get extra noodles and green onions for free for 1000 yen. The pickled ginger, sesame, spicy mustard, and Chinese cabbage on the table are all free. It has a strong smell but it tastes really smooth and easy to eat. It's delicious! #Koenji Gourmet #Nakasu Yatai Nagahama Ramen 1st Generation Kenta Ramen

The restaurant opens at 12 o'clock, and when I arrived at 11:30, there were already about 6 customers waiting. As it got closer to opening time, there were about 20 people lined up behind me. It's a popular place. The menu consists of a 1000 yen ramen with extra green onions and free refill noodles only. Surprisingly, there was hardly any pork bone smell inside the restaurant. The soup of the ramen was piping hot, and when I scooped it up with a spoon, the pork bone aroma was prominent. I was very happy as I was looking for that pork bone smell. When I drank the soup, I didn't mind the pork bone smell at all, my mouth was filled with the deliciousness and richness of the pork bone. The noodles were slightly firm with a satisfying texture. I ordered an extra serving of noodles once. I wonder if you can choose the firmness of the noodles? It's unclear if they ask for your preference. The soup was still steaming hot even after the extra serving of noodles, thanks to the thick layer of oil on top. I would like to come back again, but considering the long line, it seems difficult to visit frequently. Too bad.

From July 21, 2023, the ticket machine at the restaurant has been having issues, so they are offering all-you-can-eat Negi toppings and extra noodles for 1000 yen as a single menu item. To avoid wasting food, they do not serve wood ear mushrooms and boiled eggs on hot days. The restaurant has an open kitchen with a counter that can seat up to 9 people in a U-shape layout, giving it a lively street food stall vibe. Customers enter the restaurant, pay 1000 yen at the table, and then pick up water, chopsticks, and a wet towel. After finishing their meal, customers separate their waste and clean up after themselves. The restaurant operates with only one staff member per batch of ramen, allowing each bowl to be made with care and attention to detail. The pork bone smell is stronger outside the restaurant than inside. The ramen soup is light and easy to drink, with a slightly oilier surface which helps prevent it from cooling too quickly even after multiple noodle refills. The broth has a rich pork flavor, but some may find it slightly thin after multiple refills, wishing for additional seasoning on the table. The noodles are thin and straight, cooked al dente for a satisfying chewy texture. Despite occasional comments about the ramen being too light, re-evaluating one's salt intake may be necessary. The rich pork bone flavor is quite delicious and reminiscent of a typical street food stall in Nagahama, although the long lines and slow turnover due to the free noodle refills might make it difficult to revisit frequently. The restaurant typically has over 20 people lining up before opening at 12 pm, and they often run out of noodles by 2 pm. While the restaurant offers a refreshing and easy-to-eat Nagahama-style ramen, those who prefer a richer and heartier Kurume-style ramen might find the latter more to their liking.

"Kenzo, the owner of Nakaushicho Ramen Hama, serves authentic Nagahama ramen from Fukuoka at this restaurant located in a residential area within a 10-minute walk from Koenji Station. You can experience the taste of Fukuoka's Nakasu district right here! One great thing is that you can get free extra green onions and noodle refills for only 1,000 yen. The downside is that they only serve lunch, which is a bit disappointing. Let's savor the flavors of Fukuoka at this place! The menu I ordered was the ramen for 1,000 yen, with free extra noodle and green onion toppings. Contact details: Nakaushicho Ramen Hama Kenzo, Tokyo Koenji Main Store, 090-9795-8746, 1-66-6 Oyamacho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131904/13183596/ #Koenji #KoenjiGourmet #KoenjiLunch #KoenjiDinner #KoenjiRamen #NagahamaRamen #HakataRamen #Tabelog #TabelogTop100"

I went to this restaurant after seeing it introduced on YouTube. There was a line of about 20 people even before it opened, and I managed to get in on the second round. Inside, there was no air conditioning, just a big fan blowing. But eating hot ramen in this heat felt like a challenge and was quite enjoyable. When the ramen arrived, the soup was piping hot, and you could feel that they had no ulterior motive of increasing turnover. The taste was really delicious, just like the Nagahama ramen I had in Hakata. They have a video on YouTube, so please check it out: https://youtu.be/kM1Sj5R6ltw

I couldn't resist trying the Hakata tonkotsu ramen. The first thing that surprised me was that you could have unlimited green onions and extra noodles for only 1000 yen. It was posted on the ticket machine. The ramen did taste like Hakata tonkotsu, but it was slightly different from the authentic one. When I visited Hakata before, it was a bit lighter, so I prefer this one. I wanted more green onions, but they were running out, so I couldn't get more. But I did have 4 extra noodle servings. You can customize with toppings like pepper, sesame, mustard greens, and garlic. Adding garlic is the best, as expected.

You can enjoy authentic Kyushu-style tonkotsu ramen at this Tokyo restaurant! The owner is a lovely person who runs the place on their own, and on weekends their small daughter helps out too. The ticket machine is broken, so you can get a large serving with free extra noodles for just 1000 yen. They offer plenty of green onions, and you can choose whether you want them or not. Students and big eaters will be delighted with this generous offer! The default price of 1000 yen may seem a bit high, but it's worth it. The only downside is that they no longer offer free toppings like mushrooms, but that's understandable considering the fixed price.

Chohama Ramen Kenta in Koenji. The ticket machine was broken, so they were selling ramen for 1000 yen with extra green onions and unlimited noodle refills. It's been a year and a half since my last visit, but it was really amazing. The soup, reminiscent of authentic Hakata ramen, has a strong flavor without being overpowering. The fat floating on the surface doesn't cool down the soup, so I had no problem finishing the noodle refills. I wonder if they still take custom requests for the noodles because I remember they used to. Regardless, the firm thin noodles they served were perfect! I had my first bowl as is, added red pickled ginger and sesame on my first noodle refill, and garlic and pickled mustard greens on my second. It was so delicious, thank you for the meal!! #ramenlover #ramen #noodlelove #ramenaddict #rameneating #ramenlife #noodlegasm #noodleholic #ramenporn #foodie

Finally, to Kenta's! I read about it in reviews, but I was impressed by the self-service system where you fill your own water, grab a wet towel, and dispose of ramen broth. I might have felt embarrassed not knowing what to do if I had been number 1 or something. *laughs* I went there a little before noon and I was around 6th in line! The ramen arrived in order. I'm not sure what makes it authentic, but it was delicious! Refills are free, so I ordered a second serving. It was just so good. I want some rice...

This is the authentic street food ramen! The inside of the restaurant is far from being clean, and the smell of pork bones fills the air, making one question the hygiene. However, the delicious taste of this ramen surpasses all doubts. It's worth trying it at least once, even if you think you've been deceived.

The 1000 yen ramen ticket vending machine was broken, so they were offering all-you-can-eat extra noodles and unlimited green onions for 1000 yen. The restaurant had a strong smell but the soup wasn't thick, it was more watery and yet rich. The firm noodles mixed perfectly with the soup. They also offered a complimentary boiled egg. The self-service system kept the turnover rate high. My favorite tonkotsu ramen in Tokyo. Will definitely come back on an empty stomach.

On a sunny Sunday in July 2023, I arrived at the restaurant as the fourth person in line at 11:40 and the store opened at 12:00. The wet towel given to me was half frozen, which was refreshing. The ticket machine was out of order, and the ramen cost 1,000 yen with free extra toppings of green onions. For my first bowl, I enjoyed the pure flavor without any additional toppings. For my second bowl, I added pickled ginger, spicy vegetables, a boiled egg, and garlic, both bowls were incredibly delicious. The flavor and aroma of the soup exceeded my expectations, making it a memorable summer expedition.