Sodai Menya Akutagawa

Sodai Menya Akutagawa (総代 麺家 あくた川) is a representative Iekei ramen shop in Kyoto, located right next to Kyoto University in the Demachiyanagi area. The dish features a rich tonkotsu shoyu (pork bone soy sauce) soup, medium-thick noodles from Sakai Seimen, smoked chashu (pork belly), Kujo green onions, spinach, and nori (seaweed). This creates a bowl with a Kyoto-esque balance, distinctly different from the Iekei ramen found in Kanto. You can customize your ramen by choosing the noodle firmness, soup richness, and amount of oil (e.g., "katame" for firm noodles, "koime" for rich soup, "oome" for more oil). If you're unsure, simply say "Futsuu de" (standard) for all settings. Rice is free-flowing (okawari jiyuu), and many regulars enjoy their own unique ways of eating, such as wrapping rice in nori seaweed or adding gochujang (Korean chili paste). Purchase meal tickets from the vending machine, then inform staff of your preferences when seated. It boasts a lively atmosphere bustling with Kyoto University students and is an easy place to visit even if you're dining alone. Cash only.

1. **Before Entering (If there's a queue)** If a queue has formed in front of the shop, please line up at the end and wait. 2. **Purchase Meal Ticket / Order** After entering the shop, please first purchase a meal ticket from the ticket vending machine. It is not allowed to sit down without buying a meal ticket. The ticket vending machine has pictures, but there is no English notation. Only cash is accepted. If you need rice, please purchase a meal ticket for it. 3. **Seating & Receiving Your Order** Sit at an available seat and hand your meal ticket to the staff. At that time, please verbally tell them your preferences for noodle firmness (hard, regular, soft), soup richness (strong, regular, light), and amount of oil (more, regular, less). Rice refills are free.

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