Osaka, Japan｜Ramen Uroko

Uroko is a very simple, efficient and pleasant place to eat. Myself and my boyfriend have been back 3 times for different types of ramen. Although their menu is small it’s all very tasty. Quick service and very clean!

North of Osaka Station is Ramen Uroko, serving up three varieties of ramen: soy sauce, salt, and spicy. Their specialty is the thick shoyu for 750￥. I added the large portion, egg, and extra chashu for an additional 550￥, totaling 1300￥. A bit on the upper half of the pricing scale for ramen here in Japan, but given that it is listed on many "best of" local lists, I had to try it. In short: it was well-worth the trip and price! The flavorful broth was savory and strong without being overly salty as I expected. The chashu was deliciously smoked with a hint of pepper kick, but they were too thinly sliced and the overall quantity was lacking. The egg was a soft, but didn't have much flavor. The egg noodles were also quite lovely, with a medium-firm texture, bringing the whole bowl together. Definitely, it was fantastically delicious and it deserves to be a top choice for someone looking for a nice, rich bowl of shoyu ramen in Osaka.

The last month and a half I have been living in the Shin Osaka area, and at least 3 times a week I have been eating at Ramen Uroko. It’s relatively affordable, easy, and delicious. You start by ordering from the ticket vending machine, which is written both in Japanese and English, with their recommended being the Ajitama Shio Ramen. Personally, I recommend the Ajitama Shio Ramen with an added half size yakimeshi combo, or if you’re feeling very hungry, full size yakimeshi OR gyoza and rice set. The servers are friendly as they hand you a cup of iced water and seat you at a counter table. For Ajitama Shio Ramen, I would recommend trying some broth first before adding in Yuzu Kosho to see what fits your taste. The noodles are a unique thickness, but are clearly of high quality and are perfectly springy. The quality of food is consistent on a day to day basis. The yakimeshi is perfectly seasoned, and before you know it, you’re finished your meal. The light but seasoned ramen combined with the convenience and nice service makes this a perfect option if you’re trying to grab a bite to eat with minimal hassle.