Menya Rennosuke

Located in a residential area near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, this Michelin Guide Kyoto/Osaka 2025 Bib Gourmand selection stands on a corner of a labyrinthine narrow alley without a sign. A young chef from Menya Inoichi (a famous ramen shop) creates meticulously crafted raamen (a specific style of Japanese noodle dish) that uses no chemical seasonings, yeast extract, or additives, earning high praise as a bowl that walks the line between Kyoto's Washoku (Japanese cuisine) culture and ramen. The signature 'Raamen' (1,200 yen) features a clear soup (chintan soup) centered on seafood dashi (broth) with the umami of the tare (sauce base) standing out. Its delicate composition offers a clear soy sauce flavor in the first bite, followed by the umami of multiple mushrooms like maitake in the second, with the saltiness subtly balanced. A Japanese dashi aroma reminiscent of soba also wafts from the bowl, and its unique genre feel, positioned between ramen and chuka soba (Chinese noodles), is a major draw. The noodles are homemade, straight, and medium-thin, and a noodle-making room is annexed to the shop, allowing guests to watch the noodle machine through glass while waiting. The thinly sliced chashu (braised pork) seared over charcoal (shichirin - a portable charcoal grill) is a testament to the chef's craftsmanship, highlighting its fragrant aroma and juicy richness. Toppings are a simple combination of shiraganegi (thinly sliced white scallions) and komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach). Beyond the signature Raamen, seasonal specials include Chashu-men (ramen with extra braised pork, 1,800 yen) and Kyoto duck loin ankake-men (noodles with a thick starchy sauce, 2,000 yen). Popular side dishes include the limited Chashu-don (rice bowl with braised pork), charcoal-grilled pork don, Kujo-negi (Kujo green onion) dashi omelet, teba karaage (fried chicken wings), and homemade pudding made with wasanbon (fine Japanese sugar). With its sophisticated space reminiscent of counter French dining and meticulous service, it embodies the ambiance more of a 'raamen dining' establishment than a mere ramen shop.