Chuka Soba Takayasu

As a top shop on Kyoto's Ichijoji Ramen Street, it's a popular and highly-rated restaurant selected for Tabelog's Hyakumeiten (Top 100 Restaurants) for six consecutive years. Located a 4-minute walk from Eizan Electric Railway Ichijoji Station, its white-themed interior is unusual for a ramen shop, creating an atmosphere like a stylish cafe, making it easy for women and tourists to enter. Since opening in 1999, it has supported Kyoto's ramen culture with continuous business hours until 2 AM. The signature Chuka Soba features a milky, cloudy soup blending pork bones and chicken. Unlike the strong aroma of typical Hakata Tonkotsu, it offers a mellow and creamy mouthfeel with a gentle taste where richness and umami slowly spread. The saltiness is subtle, and the aftertaste is refreshing, making it a perfectly crafted soup that can be drunk to the last drop. The noodles are medium-thin straight, with a pleasant bite that blends well with the soup. In addition to Chuka Soba, other popular items on the menu include Suji Ramen (a unique bowl where the broth from tender beef sinew melts into the soup) and burnt garlic oil (an additional 230 yen, a classic choice when you want an extra kick). And what's indispensable when talking about Takayasu is its huge, curry-flavored fried chicken (Karaage). Even one piece offers overwhelming volume; it's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with the aroma of curry powder further stimulating the appetite. Takeout is also possible; just ask the staff, and they will provide a bag for you. On the table, the free Gekikara Nira Goma (spicy chive and sesame) is a condiment of crispy chives seasoned with chili peppers, mixed with sesame and oil. Adding a small amount to your ramen dramatically transforms the creamy soup into a sweet and spicy flavor, making it an essential item for changing the taste. Registering for the official app also provides a 50 yen discount coupon, which is a nice bonus.