Local Specialty of Central Tottori Prefecture: A Mild and Non-Greasy Beef Bone Broth Ramen

▲ Local Specialty Beef Bone and Char Siu Ramen of Central Tottori Prefecture.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan / Tottori

Ramen is a staple food in Japan and has evolved into an important part of Japanese culinary culture. Japanese ramen places great emphasis on its broth, which is typically made from pork or chicken bones, but in central Tottori Prefecture, the ramen broth is made from beef bones. Compared to pork bone broth, Tottori’s beef bone ramen is milder and less greasy.

For locals in central Tottori Prefecture, beef bone ramen is a dish they’ve grown up eating. It later gained national fame after ranking second in a popular TV program featuring regional B-grade gourmet dishes. Nowadays, when visiting Tottori, trying beef bone ramen is a must. There are many renowned shops for beef bone ramen in the prefecture, among which “Koubudei” in Koinoura stands out—its junior owner is the manager of singer Ayumi Hamasaki, who frequently visits Koubudei for their beef bone ramen.


▲ The broth of beef bone ramen is mild and non-greasy.

In addition to Koubudei in Koinoura, there are also branches in Yura and Kurayoshi City. The three Koubudei locations are operated separately by three brothers, each with their own fan base. On this occasion, Ishida Shuichi, Chief of the International Tourism Promotion Division at the Tottori Prefecture Tourism Exchange Bureau’s Tourism Strategy Section, took us to the Kurayoshi branch of Koubudei—he mentioned that he’s been eating there since childhood. From the outside, Kurayoshi Koubudei looks like a typical Japanese diner, but during mealtimes, it gets bustling with a steady stream of customers.

The menu at Kurayoshi Koubudei is simple, featuring beef bone ramen, char siu ramen, mixed noodle (gomenmen) ramen, and power-up ramen, as well as Japanese-style pan-fried dumplings. Many locals simply walk in and order a bowl of ramen without specifying a type—they automatically get the beef bone version.



▲ Mixed Noodle (Gomenmen) Ramen.


▲ Rich and Thick Broth Power-Up Ramen.

Address: 538-2 Yamane, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture
Phone: 0858-48-1165