Kyushu’s ultra-rich and bold-flavored ramen: The popular Black Tei ramen with raw egg yolk in the bowl

Text & Photos / Joel Fukuzawa

 Most ramen in Kyushu falls under the tonkotsu (pork bone broth) category, and of course, Kumamoto Black Tei Ramen in Kumamoto Castle is no exception. This ramen shop, established in 1957, was named “Black Tei” by its founder, Heihara Takeyoshi, who has loved drawing since childhood — particularly abstract art — and his favorite color was “black.”“Black Tei”was the name he chose.

The shop is located near Kumamoto Station, in a quiet town, but it always draws long lines out front, making it especially eye-catching. Black Tei’s specialties include several house-made broths, crispy pan-fried garlic oil, and delicious pork cutlet.

One highlight is that if you find the broth too cold, you can ask them to remake it (no wonder there’s always such a long line!). The garlic oil is also phenomenal — crispy, fragrant, with just a hint of spice, and pairs perfectly with rice.

And if you think that’s all? Think again. The best part is probably ordering the signature Black Tei ramen with a raw egg yolk. It’s simple to eat: start by sipping the original-flavor broth, then have a bite of the authentic handmade noodles.

Then comes the highlight: scoop up the egg yolk with a spoon, hold it in the spoon, and gently break it. The yolk, ready to burst, suddenly spreads across the spoon.

Don’t panic — quickly pick up a strand of noodle from the bowl, dip it into the spoon, and watch as it gets coated in the yellow egg yolk. When you put it in your mouth, that slippery, silky sensation is like being transported straight to heaven. Just like that, alternate between a bite of egg-coated noodles and a sip of broth — absolutely delicious.

Since Kyushu ramen tends to be quite rich in flavor, those not used to strong tastes can ask for a milder version, but it’s guaranteed to be delicious regardless.

Black Tei Ramen
Address: 2-1-23, Nihongi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
Business Hours: 10:30–20:30
Tel/Fax: 096-352-1648