Ramen Kimura

Ramen Kimura is a highly regarded ramen shop that opened in May 2022 along Kitaoji Street, near Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple, specializing in dashi (Japanese broth) as its base. The owner honed his skills at "Menko Hizuki," a famous restaurant in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, before opening "Mendokoro Ganki" in Kyoto in 2015. In 2022, he relocated and rebranded it as "Raamen Kimura" (Ramen Kimura), earning him the title of "Dashi Sommelier" due to his exceptional expertise in handling dashi (Japanese broth). The shop features two signature ramen dishes: "Uodashi Shoyu Raamen" (Fish Dashi Soy Sauce Ramen) for 850 yen, and "Noko Tori (Toripaitan)" (Rich Chicken - Creamy Chicken Broth). The Uodashi Shoyu Raamen is built on a double soup foundation, combining a broth made from katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and niboshi (dried sardines) with another broth derived from surume (dried squid) and shiitake (shiitake mushrooms). Despite its dark appearance, the soup is surprisingly mild on the palate, carefully crafted to avoid excessive soy sauce saltiness. Though it contains no animal products, the subtle aroma of yuzu (Japanese citrus) and the richness of niboshi oil provide a deeply satisfying ramen experience. The noodles are house-made thin straight noodles made from Hokkaido wheat, offering a pleasant bite and a fragrant wheat aroma that harmonizes with the soup. Toppings include moist rare chashu (braised pork slices), sweet and tender menma (fermented bamboo shoots), Kujo negi (Kyoto green onions), and yuzu peel. Adding the Kuro Shichimi (black seven-spice blend) from Hararyokaku, available on the table, instantly adds a powerful kick. In addition to the two signature dishes, the monthly rotating limited-edition menus are also a highlight, showcasing the incredible depth of the owner's dashi expertise. Past offerings have included Saikyo Miso Raamen with fish flakes, Iwashi-bushi Oikatsuo Raamen (Sardine Flakes & Extra Bonito Flakes Ramen), Limited B Tai Shibori (Snapper Extract), Watari-gani no Toripaitan Raamen/Tsukemen (Blue Crab Creamy Chicken Broth Ramen/Dipping Noodles), Chonoko Maratan Tan Tan Men (Super Rich Mala Tan Tan Noodles), and Aji Niboshi to Kurobuta Seabura no Saishikomi Shoyu Tsukemen (Horse Mackerel Niboshi & Kurobuta Pork Back Fat Re-brewed Soy Sauce Dipping Noodles). Standard side dishes include Negi-dare Chashu Don (Chashu Rice Bowl with Green Onion Sauce), Ontama Toriten Don (Chicken Tempura Rice Bowl with Soft-boiled Egg), and Toriten (Chicken Tempura), making for a highly satisfying lunch that includes both meat and rice.