Kokutei / 黒亭 - Kumamoto

Kokutei (黒亭) is easily one of the most popular ramen shops in Kumamoto. Opened in 1957, they have been steadily serving great tonkotsu ramen to the masses. Compared to Hakata tonkotsu, Kokutei has mellowed the pork funk down a bit, but has a more strong seasoning and adds black garlic as a very aromatic flavoring component. This is actually not what Kumamoto is famous for. Instead they usually add a black burnt garlic oil to the bowl, very different from what Kokutei adds.

The bowl most regulars will order is the “Tamagoiri Ramen” (玉子入りラーメン), for which you can choose between two raw egg yolks or two marinated ajitama halves. I highly recommend going with the egg yolks, as they add an incredible depth and creaminess to the few slurps you can get them attached to. Also it’s fun to pop the yolks. Prices are fair, even though this is probably the priciest shop in the area, as other shops have mostly 150 to 250 Yen cheaper standard bowls, but I guess you pay for the fame. You will most likely find an queue in front of the shop, so be ready for some wait, but probably nothing unreasonable. The location is a quick 10 minutes walk from Kumamoto station. For the worried people out there, they also have an English menu. Or just point to the double egg yolk bowl and be happy.

*Noodles are thicker in Kumamoto compared to Hakata style noodles*

I can easily say that this is probably one of the best ramen in Kumamoto and deserves it’s fame and reputation fully. The black garlic creates an almost hazelnut like aroma in the soup, which I have never tasted before. The chashu was great and the egg yolk idea is simply amazing. No idea why not more shops are offering this.