Sodai Menya Akutagawa
総代 麺家 あくた川
Overview
A leading Kyoto Iekei ramen shop located about 7 minutes walk from Demachiyanagi, Kyoto, and very close to Kyoto University. Opened in 2014 as the flagship store of the "Akutagawa" series, it has been cherished as a soul food by Kyoto University students and has now grown into a popular chain with multiple branches including "Nidaime," "Bettei," and "Kawaramachi." The signature dish is "Sodai Ramen," featuring a luxurious topping configuration almost like an all-inclusive ramen, with smoked chashu, three large sheets of nori seaweed, spinach, Kujo green onions (Kyoto's distinctive green onions, not shiraga negi), and a seasoned egg. The soup is a Kyoto-style Iekei with a mild balance of soy sauce, pork bone, and chicken oil, suppressing the aggressive saltiness and greasiness of Kanto Iekei, making it enjoyable to drink to the last drop. The noodles are classic medium-thick noodles from Sakai Seimen, offering both a chewy texture and a smooth slurp. A distinctive feature is the smoked chashu, which releases a smoky aroma and umami with every bite. The "Aburi Chashu-don" (seared pork bowl) side dish, combined with mayonnaise, special soy sauce, and pepper, is also popular, with the shop recommending a style of eating it like TKG (tamago kake gohan, egg on rice) by drizzling a little ramen soup over it. Rice is ¥100 for all-you-can-eat refills, and students have established a popular way of making "nori-maki rice" by wrapping rice with nori and adding table condiments like toubanjan (chili bean paste).
How to Order
(Check the official account below in advance for irregular closures and updates)
Official SNS：https://x.com/sodai_akutagawa
1Before entering
About a 7-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Main Line, 9 minutes walk from Mototanaka Station on the Eizan Main Line, very close to the Hyakumanben intersection of Kyoto University. Open daily from 11:00 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 22:00, open year-round with no regular closing days (may extend late on Fridays). During peak hours (12-13:00 for lunch, 19-20:00 for dinner), there may be a wait of about 10 people, and the shop can be packed with Kyoto University students. It's relatively easier to get in around 14:00 or before 21:00 on weekdays.
2Purchasing a meal ticket
It's a pre-purchase system where you buy a meal ticket first at the vending machine near the entrance, cash only. The ticket machine has photos and is of standard difficulty, but there are no English descriptions, so tourists might find it easier if they familiarize themselves with the menu in advance (e.g., Sodai Ramen ¥1,260, Ramen ¥750-¥950, Chashu-men, Chashu-don, Raw Egg Set, Extra Nori). When handing the ticket to the staff, it's essential to verbally convey your customization preferences for the Iekei "three-point call" (noodle firmness, flavor richness, oil amount): katame (firm), koime (rich), ome (more oil). For first-time visitors, it's recommended to choose futsu (regular) for everything. Once you're used to it, the "three-stage early death combo" of katame (firm), koime (rich), ome (more oil) is a favorite among regulars.
3Seating and receiving your order
There are 20 counter seats only, and the atmosphere is lively with many Kyoto University students. Orders are usually served quickly, in about 5 minutes. Some shops may serve rice before the ramen arrives, allowing you to start eating immediately. The staff provide energetic service, and students often eat multiple bowls of all-you-can-eat rice (¥100).
4Other notes
Table condiments include gochujang, toubanjan (chili bean paste), grated garlic, white pepper, and soy sauce. Enjoy the unique Iekei ramen experience of "nori-maki rice" (wrapping rice with toubanjan in soup-soaked nori), and changing the flavor profile by adding garlic in the latter half of the meal. For the raw egg included with "Sodai Ramen," follow the eating guide on the wall: first enjoy it sukiyaki-style by dipping noodles, then TKG-style by mixing with leftover rice – this two-stage method is recommended by the shop.
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Seating
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総代 麺家あくた川
— 湖 国 (@kokoku_bito) March 22, 2024
らーめん ｶﾀﾒｺｲﾒﾌﾂｳ＋ごはん#飯テロ #京都グルメ #百万遍 #京都ランチ #ランチ #家系 #ラーメン #酒井製麺 pic.twitter.com/Y1a4YzrVbS
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Up to 15 minRef. | - | Up to 15 minRef. | - |
| Weekend | Up to 15 minRef. | - | - | - |
* Dashed cells = reference data from past visit examples (replaced once enough reviews arrive)
Dietary Notes
No dietary data yet
This information is based on user reports and is not official information from the shop. Cross-contamination in the cooking environment cannot be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies, please confirm directly with the shop.
Animal-free menu available
Reports received (1)
No MSG
Reports received (1)
Gluten-free menu available
Reports received (1)
Halal options available
Reports received (1)
Dietary information is verified through blind consensus. Reports become public when 3 or more independent users agree.
Ingredients & Allergens
Allergen info coming soon
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