ラーメン / Ramen / Tanokyū — Karatsu, Saga

Saga style tonkotsu ramen— The soup contains large quantities of pork heads and pork bone marrow simmered for long hours, with some online reports also suggesting less than 1% beef bones. The pot is never emptied, each day the soup is layered onto the flavor base of the previous batch. Medium-thin straight noodles are low-hydration, sourced from a local purveyor. Usukuchi shoyu is used in the tare. Topped with thinly sliced pork belly chashu, wood ear mushrooms and negi. Fried gyoza and cha-han on the side.

Still run by the original master (now in his mid-70’s), who focuses on making fried rice while his wife cooks the ramen. Opened independently with no major apprenticeship ever reported. The shop is completely run by family members. Open for lunch only, 11:15am-2pm (or until sold out). 24 seats. Since 2000.