ラーメン / Ramen / Komaya — Fukuoka, Fukuoka

‘Shaba style’ Hakata tonkotsu ramen. The soup is made by slowly simmering pig heads, knuckles and skin over low heat, using the soup from the previous day as a base. Through careful temperature control the soup is allowed to age and ferment, creating a strong smell and a deep, mature flavor. Shaba style is a genre created by Komaya’s founder, referencing old-fashioned style Hakata ramen which has a strong porky smell. Noodles are sourced locally in Fukuoka by Takara Foods. Topped with thinly sliced pork chashu and green negi. Spicy kaedama (extra noodles) are recommended.

Master Kurata-san was born in Fukuoka and previously worked in a variety of businesses, including running a toy store and a tropical fish store. In 2015, he founded Teppanyaki Komaya, but he missed the taste of old school Hakata ramen so began serving it on the menu in 2018. The ramen became so popular that in 2019, he renovated the business to specialize in ramen only. The brand now operates three branches in Fukuoka, each using a slightly different recipe. Seven seats at the Maidashi flagship. Since September 1st, 2018 @hageraamen