Kyoto, Japan｜Kyoto Ramen Sadakazu

It took us awhile to find it but this joint is located at the basement of a small building along the main road leading to Yasaka Shrine. It is the first eatery on the left when you climb down the stairs. We arrived at 9pm and it was still not open but there was a list hanging outside for us to write our names and pax. We were third on the list. Having nothing else to do and not wanting to return to the hotel yet, we decided to just sit around and wait. During that time, some guests came and put down their names then left. At about 9:30pm, the chef arrived. After setting up abit, he invited us in first since we were the only ones waiting there even though we were not first on the list. The joint sits a maximum of 6 customers and Japanese menu on the wall have 2 prices shown prominently. And 1 smaller note below it with a higher price. Not knowing what it all means, we just selected the more expensive of the 2. The ramen stock, even though looks clear, was bursting with flavours. There were bits of pork fat and collagen floating on the soup which added to the flavours. The noodles was Q enough and the pork slice was tender and delicious. Halfway through our meal, we were curious and asked in our limited Japanese what the smaller note with the higher price is, turns out it is ramen with the most expensive cut of pork. We ordered one bowl to share and it was even better then the other! It was more tender and fattier than the one we had. Next time we return we will order the most expensive one again! By the time we left at 10pm, there was already a line outside and the list had at least 10 groups. Chef is cute and friendly, happy to engage with us foreigners even though he does not speak English. There is no toilet.

tasty

Stumbled across this shop when we decided to go down to the basement. The ramen tastes great and so different from your standard miso/shoyu that you would get at the chains. The owner is awesome and very nice. This 5 seater ramen is tasty with its limited opening hours of 10pm to 1am.