Tanpopo

Founded in 1947 (Showa 22), this long-established ramen shop near Bukkyo University in Kyoto's Senbon Kitaoji has been serving for approximately 80 years. Located in a residential area within walking distance of Kenkun Shrine, Imamiya Shrine, and Kinkaku-ji Temple, it is known as a 'legendary holy ground' for Kyoto Ramen. It's also famous as the shop where the owner of 'Gokkei,' which draws huge queues in Ichijoji, trained for over 10 years. The 'Akadaku' (red deluge) style, where the bowl is covered entirely in ichimi togarashi (Japanese chili powder), originated here at Tanpopo. The signature dish is 'Ramen' (Regular 950 yen, Large 1,050 yen). The soup, a blend of chicken and pork bones, is topped with generous amounts of seabura (pork back fat) and ichimi togarashi, creating a visually striking bright red appearance. However, once you taste it, you'll be surprised by its light and mild flavor, with just a hint of spiciness. The richness of the seabura, the aroma of the chili, and the umami of the chicken and pork bones layer together to create a gentle taste you could enjoy every day. The noodles are medium-thin straight noodles from Nakagane Seimen, typically served slightly soft (you can request 'katame' for firmer noodles when ordering). The signature toppings include two thick, large slices of melt-in-your-mouth chashu (braised pork), plenty of Kujo negi (Kujo green onions), and menma (fermented bamboo shoots). Opting for 'Chashu-men' (Regular 1,200 yen) will cover the entire bowl with chashu. The side yakimeshi (fried rice) has the authentic taste of old-school Kyoto 'machi chuka' (local Chinese restaurant cuisine), and the 'Ramen + Yakimeshi Set' is a popular item that often sells out. Changing the flavor with the unique 'karashi miso' (spicy miso paste) available on the table is a favorite among regulars. Free garlic can be added, or chili removed, when ordering, demonstrating the shop's flexibility in customization – one of the reasons it has been loved for 80 years.