The second-place tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen in all of Fukuoka: "Hakata Issou" Ramen

Text & Photos / Joel Fukuzawa

But if there’s a place where the tonkotsu broth is even richer than Ichiran’s, with noodles that are smoother than Ichiran’s, and although the entrance is just as crowded—with people lining up from opening in the morning until closing at night—the majority of those waiting are actually locals. This is the ramen shop ranked as the second-best tonkotsu ramen in all of Fukuoka: "Hakata Issou" Ramen.

Hakata Issou is located less than ten minutes on foot from Hakata Station’s East Exit. You can smell the rich aroma of pork bone broth before you even reach the shop. Remember to buy your meal ticket inside before queuing up at the entrance—the prices range from 600 yen to 1,000 yen. The broth here is called the “cappuccino of tonkotsu soup.” Why is it called that? Because when the bowl of ramen is first served, it might not look that different. But you can tell how rich the broth is by the layer of bubbles along the edge of the bowl. The sweetness of the broth comes from a touch of pickled plum, and the biggest difference compared to other Hakata ramens is that while it pursues this intense umami richness, it still doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. Achieving that balance requires very precise control.

Perhaps it’s a bit like the gender ratio of the staff here. As you approach the entrance, the hostess greeting customers is a beautiful young woman with fair skin and a gentle smile that could almost melt your heart. The shop has about twenty-five seats, and all four front-of-house staff members are graceful, elegant women, while the two in the kitchen making the noodles are both guys. Maybe this particular mix is the secret to creating a broth that’s rich but not greasy? (Okay, let’s be honest—it’s mostly because we enjoy seeing the cute girls.)

Hakata Issou Ramen

Address: Japan 〒812-0013 Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Hakataekihigashi, ３−１−６