Kinryu Ramen @ Dotonburi, Osaka

DSC_0999

Wiki says...There are three Kinryu (Golden Dragon) Ramen restaurants in Dōtonbori, one at each end of the street and one in the middle. The chain is notable for its giant three-dimensional golden dragon billboards, as well as its outdoor seating consisting of tatami mats. Unlike many Japanese restaurants, Kinryu Ramen is open 24 hours, and offers a free garlic and kimchi bar.

The one above is one of the three found in Dotonburi. Sitting on mats and slurping your noodle in public isn't exactly my idea of a perfect way to tuck into food yet, an experience I went for!


As a gauge of its popularity? The korean media wanted to film a segment at the stall but canned the idea due to the crowds. Diners literally plonk their butts, wait for the noodle and tuck into it immediately upon getting their bowl of noodle. All the action only stops after the chopsticks are placed firmly on the table. All in an effortless 10 minutes at best, now...you gauge the turnover rate.

DSC_0983

The chefs hard at work and the kimchi bar at the side.
DSC_0994

Here's the hilarious part. They actually only serve one dish - ramen. Clueless me had to order 4 bowls and pressed it in different languages thinking there would be some difference.
DSC_0990

Behind all the steam...and quick tossing and scooping, bowls of piping hot ramen gets served up, pronto.
DSC_0988

I honestly can't make out how delicious it would be, behind the milky exterior.

DSC_0989

Straight as a rod ramen noodles, which reminded me of handmade Fei Fei Wanton noodles. Everything was rather bland in this bowl of bland looking noodles. Char siew slices were more fat than meat and the broth was lightly flavoured. The only comfort I gained from it was the warmth of the dish in the freezing cold temperatures...temporal relief!

DSC_0992

The dollop of kimchi which every diner had. I left the table wondering if it was korean ramen or japanese. Not the best eaten, just mediocre.

600 Yen each

Kinryu Ramen
Dotonburi

Comments