[Okayama] The hot topic of Kasaoka Ramen! We visited six popular local ramen shops

• Table of contents
• What is Kasaoka Ramen?
• 1. Sakamoto
• 2. Idehara
• 3. Yama-chan
• 4. Kasakita
• 5. Menya Hare
• 6. Ajidokoro Sakae Seimaru

What is Kasaoka Ramen?

Classic Kasaoka ramen is made with a soy sauce-based soup made with chicken stock, topped with chicken (chicken) roast pork instead of pork, bamboo shoots, and spring onions. Kasaoka City has been a thriving poultry farm and noodle production center since before the war, and it is said that ramen topped with chicken roast pork, which is rare nationwide, was born here. Many of the shops have a well-established appearance that makes the term "chuka soba" (Chinese noodles) fit perfectly, and they attract regulars. It is the perfect place to experience the deep Kasaoka.

1. Sakamoto

"When you think of Kasaoka ramen, you think of Sakamoto! You should definitely try it!" is a popular restaurant that many say is a must-try. It's near Kasaoka Station. Founded in 1958, it's currently run by the second-generation owner. Apparently, customers come from all over the country. This is the oldest Kasaoka ramen, and this bowl is truly Kasaoka ramen! It's a bowl that sticks to the classic formula. The umami of the clear chicken bone soy sauce soup, the tastier chicken (kashiwa) the more you chew, and the aroma of large slices of green onion. It's lighter than it looks, and I ate it all down to the last bite. The picture shows a regular size. They also have a large size, but that's all there is on the menu. It's cool!

Originally, the owner ran a butcher shop specializing in chicken, and the idea for the restaurant came about when he opened a Chinese noodle shop next door. The store's appearance and interior atmosphere still evoke the Showa of the Showa era, even in the Reiwa era. It's truly a Chinese noodle shop!

We were shown how the stewed chicken and soup are made in the kitchen. The chicken is slowly cooked in a large pot, bringing out its delicious flavor.

Address: 34-9 Kasaoka Chuo , Kasaoka City

Business hours: 9:30 to 14:30

Closed: Thursdays, Sundays, and public holidays

TEL: 0865-63-6454

Sakamoto | Kasaoka, the Kasaoka of ramen

2. Idehara

Like Sakamoto, Idehara is a popular restaurant near the station. In the survey, many people said, "I love Idehara!" When I went there during my lunch break, there was a line! I went again in the evening.

This restaurant also offers a simple menu with only two portions: regular and large. I ordered the regular portion. The soup had a strong chicken flavor, and when I told them, "It's rich and delicious! I can see why it's so popular," they replied, "It's amazing how chicken alone can make it so delicious." Sakamoto and Idehara are very close to each other, so you can choose which restaurant to go to based on how busy it is and the opening hours.

Address: 2827 Kasaoka , Kasaoka City

Business hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-21:00 *Open on weekends from 15:00-17:00

Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)

TEL: 0865-63-7667

Idehara | Kasaoka, the Kasaoka of ramen

3. Yama-chan

I heard that this Kasaoka ramen shop opens from 5am, so I decided to drop by a little after 5am. Apparently, people who work at the port or market come here early to have breakfast. It's a true example of "morning ramen" culture! On this day, there were already three customers there at 5am. They were chatting leisurely with the owner, creating a homey atmosphere.

The shop is right in front of the ocean. As it is located by the sea, it seems that many motorcyclists come here on tours, and there are many photos of motorbikes and customers hanging up inside the shop.

This is the classic Kasaoka ramen, but the chicken is sliced ​​thinner than at other restaurants, making it easy to eat even for those with weak jaws like me. One man commented, "The large portion is very filling!" Yamachan also offers a rice menu, so it's recommended for those who want a hearty meal. Be sure to experience Kasaoka 's morning ramen culture for yourself.

Address: 2369-37 Kasaoka , Kasaoka City

Business hours: 5:00-15:00 Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays (open on public holidays)

*There may be occasional absences due to health conditions, etc.

TEL: 0865-60-0256

Yamachan | Kasaoka, the town of ramen

4. Kasakita

I heard there is a Kasaoka ramen restaurant in Ibara City that has a good reputation for its deliciousness, so I went to check it out. It is located in downtown Ibara, very close to the Tanaka (Denchu) Museum of Art. The restaurant just opened in 2016, so both the exterior and the interior are sparkling clean.

I ordered a regular ramen and was surprised when it arrived! The chicken and noodles were perfectly aligned, like a work of art. It was truly "Kasaoka Ramen of such beauty!" The owner apparently trained in Sakamoto, Kasaoka City. The flavor was classic, with a generous portion of chicken and chicken broth, a perfect match with the straight noodles.

The "automatic payment machine" (customers put money in and receive change from the box if needed) that is commonly seen in Kasaoka ramen shops is still in good condition. Chicken char siu is also sold, although it may not be available on some days. It is said to be very popular due to its deliciousness and value. If you see it, you're in luck, so be sure to buy some.

Address: 323-4 Ibaracho, Ibara City

Business hours: 10:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00

Closed: Fridays

TEL: 0866-63-4422

5. Menya Hare

At Menya Hare, a ramen shop in Kamogata, Asakuchi City, you can actually enjoy Kasaoka ramen (salt) without soy sauce. According to the shop staff, this is the only shop that serves salt-flavored Kasaoka ramen!

You can choose small, regular, or large servings of soy sauce and salt. The small size is also available, which is great for women. I ordered a regular serving of salt. They also brought out water salt, so you can add more if you want it to be a little bland.

This was my first time trying salt-flavored Kasaoka ramen. The soup is light, so the umami of the chicken really shines through. You can really taste the wheat flavor of the noodles, which is delicate and delicious!

For dessert, try the refreshing fresh monaka ice cream from the nearby confectionery shop, Patisserie Ciel.

Address: 4227-1 Kosaka , Kamogata-cho, Asakuchi Asakuchi City

Business hours: 11:00-15:00, 17:00-20:00 (Saturdays and Sundays 11:00-20:00)

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (open if Monday is a public holiday)

TEL: 0865-44-8114

Menya Hare | Facebook

6. Ajidokoro Sakae Seimaru

When I asked, "Can you recommend a restaurant that serves delicious Kasaoka ramen?", I was surprised to learn about the secret menu of an izakaya. Apparently, it was created as a final bowl of ramen. Because it's a secret menu, it's not listed on the menu, but when I asked, "I heard you serve Kasaoka ramen here. Do you have it?", they brought it out for me. Kasaoka ramen, with a soy sauce-based chicken broth and topped with roasted chicken fillets, is the perfect after-drinks bowl! It also comes with pork roasted pork. "Since we're not a ramen shop, there are days when we can't serve it on busy days," they said. Weekdays are the best time to go.

This restaurant, located close to Kasaoka Station, offers a Toyotomi selection of sake and the delicious seafood of Kasaoka . Their koji-marinated live shrimp caught in Kasaoka is a delicacy that has been passed down through generations. The spicy, plump shrimp paired perfectly with the sake.

Address: 33-4 Chuo , Kasaoka City

Business hours: 17:30-22:00

Closed: Sundays and public holidays

TEL: 0865-62-2763

Ajidokoro Sakae Seimaru | Kasaoka , the town of ramen