Yamazaki Menjirou

Cash only. No ticket machine; please order by speaking. Despite having "Jiro" in its name, this is not a Jiro-style ramen shop. Instead, it offers light and clear (tanrei) ramen made with chicken and Japanese dashi. Operated by a single chef (one-person operation), it's a regular on the 'Top 100 Restaurants' list and is only open 4 days a week (Thursday-Sunday). As they do not use social media, confirming temporary closures is extremely difficult; finding out if they are open is the biggest adventure (a true 'ninja' feat!). The menu is limited to three items: "Ramen," "Shio Ramen" (Salt Ramen), and "Tsukemen" (Dipping Noodles), all priced under 1000 yen, which is very reasonable for Kyoto. The homemade flat, medium-thick noodles have a satisfyingly chewy texture, and the large chashu pork slices are thick-cut and melt-in-your-mouth tender. With only 9 counter seats, the shop fills up immediately after opening.

No one has reviewed this shop yet. Only the first reviewer earns the 🏅Pioneer badge.