Minamen Namba Walk

JINRUI MINA MENRUI, one of Osaka's most popular ramen brands, has opened a new branch in the Namba Walk underground shopping street. This shop distinguishes itself from the rich dried sardine-based (niboshi-kei) ramen of its main store, specializing in gentle, bonito dashi-based soy sauce ramen. It has carved out a niche as an underground ramen shop where tourists and female customers can easily stop by. The biggest feature of this shop is its menu, consisting of four distinct ramen types: Kiyome-zome (gentle soy sauce ramen with bonito dashi), Jun (spicy with karashi takana (pickled mustard greens) and chili oil), Kan (Szechuan hot and sour soup-style with vinegar and chili oil), and Go (mazesoba (brothless ramen) with homemade noodles). By offering not just complete ramen systems, but four varieties with different characteristics—sour, spicy, and brothless—all in one place, it functions as a go-to spot in Namba where 'anyone can find their perfect first bowl, no matter who they come with.' The signature Kiyome-zome features medium-thick, straight noodles with whole wheat flour, offering a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet soy sauce soup infused with bonito dashi. It's topped with two kinds of chashu: rare pork chashu and pepper-flavored chicken chashu, creating a light yet highly satisfying dish. The 'Special' (+160 yen) offers great value, including a nitamago (soft-boiled egg) and a half-portion kaedama (extra noodle serving) for free. What's unique is the ability to choose the timing of the kaedama: 'add from the start,' 'serve simultaneously on a separate plate,' or 'add after eating a bit.' This playful design, allowing the dining experience to change based on the eater's preference even with the same 'Special' order, is a characteristic touch of this main store. The stylish and bright interior, the high proportion of female staff and customers, and the K-POP background music are all deliberate choices to distance itself from the traditional image of a ramen shop. The Kuroge Wagyu Gyoza (Japanese Black Wagyu dumplings) side dish is also highly acclaimed, making it suitable for dinner use in the underground shopping street when paired with ramen. It's an ideal first stop for travelers in Namba who 'want to enjoy ramen casually' or have 'companions who dislike the heaviness of traditional ramen shops.'