Recommended bowl: A local favorite

Matsu Shokudō is located next door to Bannai, the most famous ramen shop in Kitakata. All of the staff at this shop are women. The soup is made from tonkotsu, gyokai, and chicken, otherwise you have a standard-looking bowl of Kitakata-style ramen. The interior is composed of large communal tables and zashiki tatami-style seating. Almost every day of the year, a line 90% composed of tourists line up to try to the nationally famous Bannai next door — occasionally, over 100 people can be seen waiting. But ask locals which shop is better, and almost all of them will say Matsu Shokudou. Pro tip.