Skip the Line at Osaka’s Hottest Ramen Shop – The Bliss of Half-Boiled Soft-Boiled Egg and Bamboo Shoots

Text and Photos /Viviyu

It’s been less than half a year since my last trip to Osaka, and the sixth-generation running Glico man sign has been completed. The sign is now even shinier, and it remains a must-photo spot for visitors to Shinsaibashi. Not having your picture taken here is almost like not having visited Shinsaibashi at all, as people are always snapping photos.

That shiny sign – forever on the run…

I had originally planned to go eat at Ichiran Ramen with my cousin, but when we saw the long line despite the rainy weather, I was too lazy to wait. So we turned the corner and found another ramen shop with fewer tourists – Kaneyoshi.

Don’t assume that just because there’s no line, the food isn’t good. This place is actually quite famous in Osaka for its soy sauce ramen. When you’re traveling in Japan and want to keep meal costs down, ramen is a great option – and I personally love ramen…

There’s a vending machine at the entrance where you can order. Just press the button for the flavor you want, insert money, and you’ll get a ticket to give to the staff when you enter.

No need to read Japanese – you can check the English instructions or simply look at the photos. Point to what you want, and you’re set. You can also add extras like green onions or eggs.

Many ramen shops nearby use this ordering method, which helps save on staff.

The shop offers three popular types of broth: Golden Soy Sauce, Red Soy Sauce, and Black Soy Sauce. The flavors gradually get richer and more intense, but I went with the medium one.

After entering, I politely asked if I could take photos, and the shy chef said yes without hesitation.

They serve both thick and thin noodles here. Following my cousin’s advice, I chose the thick ones – they do a better job of soaking up the broth.

Some restaurants in Japan allow smoking, which I really dislike. So I was glad to find this completely non-smoking ramen shop – nothing worse than eating grilled meat while breathing in smoke. Each seat has its own seasonings, and a cold glass of water is pretty much essential. You can also ask the staff for fresh garlic if you’d like.

I was tempted by the gyoza on the wall, but after eating all day, finishing a whole bowl of ramen felt like an achievement already – I’ll save the dumplings for next time.

Red Soy Sauce Ramen – 800 yen
I had said I wasn’t that hungry before walking in, but the moment the ramen arrived and I caught a whiff of that rich broth, suddenly my stomach had room for more…