Gion Duck Noodles

“Gion Duck Noodles,” a specialty duck ramen shop, is located in a back alley near Yasaka Shrine, about a 10-minute walk from Keihan Main Line Gion-Shijo Station. This popular establishment, which also operates an Arashiyama branch, is the first Gion store of a duck ramen brand produced by “Menroku,” a popular shop in Hirakata City. The storefront is playfully designed with only duck and ramen emojis as its sign, resembling a hidden gem nestled in a gap between multi-tenant buildings. The signature Duck Ramen (1,485 JPY) features a broth made by slowly simmering free-range duck from Kishu (Yuasa, Wakayama Prefecture) over low heat. You can choose between two types: “Assari,” a light clear soup (chintan), and “Noukou,” a rich, creamy duck white soup (paitan). The “Assari” type offers a clear, exquisite duck umami, with a broth reminiscent of Western cuisine and an elegant flavor. The “Noukou” type is a rich and robust preparation where the duck umami directly envelops your palate. The noodles are homemade medium-thin straight noodles blended with German rye flour, creating a unique chewiness and wheat aroma that merges Japanese and Western culinary worlds. For duck chashu (roast duck), you can choose between juicy, tender thigh meat or firm-textured loin, with an option to add 5 extra slices. Grape sansho (Japanese pepper) powder is sprinkled on the rim of the bowl, allowing for multi-layered flavor changes as you mix it with the noodles or dissolve it into the soup. Toppings include a flavored egg (ajitama), wood ear mushrooms, daikon sprouts (kaiware), Benina cress, and autumn leaf-shaped fu (wheat gluten), arranged in a vibrant presentation. Edible flowers and delicate colors create a first-class visual experience. The side dish, Duck Rice (660 JPY), is a two-stage offering: rice cooked with duck broth, topped with an egg yolk, and finally, duck broth is poured over it, allowing you to enjoy it ochazuke-style (a dish where hot tea or broth is poured over rice). The establishment also offers craft beers, providing an adult space where you can relax and savor your meal as if enjoying wine. With many international visitors and polite English-speaking service, it’s an appealing spot to easily drop by during your sightseeing.