Rumored to be the next Michelin candidate, this is Kyoto's new tourist spot! Shellfish broth ramen KATAJIKENAI

• Table of Contents
• What is Noodle Meeting KTAJIKENAI?
• Access to Menhou KATAJIKENAI 忝
• The owner's recommendation is this! "KaidashiRAMEN"
• The bubbly chicken broth is also not to be missed.
• Ordering Method and Manners
• A word from the owner, Yuuki Katsura

What is Noodle Meeting KTAJIKENAI?

KATSURA , the owner of Menhou KATAJIKENAI , which opened on August 22, 2023, is a talented chef who trained at the popular Osaka restaurant TorisobaZAGIN for five years. The origin of the restaurant's name is as the name suggests, but it is said to be a gratitude to the customers and vendors who have been able to meet through noodles, and is filled with the feeling of gratitude "KATAJIKENAI(thankful for the kindness/humbled)". It is because of this attitude that many customers love the taste and visit frequently. There are many Kyoto-like spots scattered around the restaurant, but the restaurant's design is in harmony with the beauty of the surrounding area without spoiling it, which is probably why it is highly rated. The exposed concrete interior is clean and quiet, making the ramen taste even more delicious. The character "忝" is subtly decorated on the wall, which also speaks to the owner's good taste.

Access to Menhou KATAJIKENAI 忝

5 minutes walk from the north ticket gate of Hankyu Kyoto Line " Sainokuchi Station ". 5 minutes walk from Keifuku Arashiyama Main Line " Sainokuchi Station ". 16 minutes walk or 7 minutes by car from JR " Nijo Station ". 14 minutes by car from JR " Kyoto Station ".

A journey through ramen befitting the capital of Kyoto, and a stroll through historical heritage sites

There are many tourist attractions around the shop. Visit famous shrines and temples such as Nijo Castle (approx. 11 minutes by car), Kinkakuji Temple (approx. 17 minutes by car), Kyoto Imperial Palace (approx. 17 minutes by car), Ninna-ji Temple (approx. 18 minutes by car), Heian Shrine (approx. 19 minutes by car), Yasaka Shrine (approx. 19 minutes by car), Kiyomizu-dera Temple (approx. 19 minutes by car), Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple (approx. 25 minutes by car), and Nanzen-ji Temple (approx. 24 minutes by car). You can also visit the filming sites of movies at Toei Taiyo Studio Park (approx. 14 minutes by car), which is unique to Kyoto. You can also stretch your legs and stroll through the bamboo forest path and Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama (approx. 23 minutes by car).

You can visit many of these historical heritage sites while sipping your ramen, as the restaurant is conveniently located in the center of the tourist attractions introduced above.

The owner's recommendation is this! "KaidashiRAMEN"

The soup of our recommended and most popular "KaidashiRAMEN" is characterized by its pure broth made from "only water and shellfish". This broth has been improved upon since the restaurant first opened, and is constantly evolving. For owne rchef Mr.KATSURA, "evolution" doesn't just mean making improvements; it also involves reviewing the ingredients and taking on the challenge of creating shellfish broth ramen with different characteristics. He is constantly working to provide his customers with the best bowl of ramen possible. This means that you can look forward to discovering new flavors every time you visit.

Attention to detail in soup

When the restaurant first opened, they mainly used shijimi clams, but also other fish such as clams, and oysters to make the broth. However, after much research, they decided to offer something even tastier, and now they use mainly clams in their broth, with clams and other fish added. This has strengthened the impact of the shellfish broth, resulting in a light yet addictive flavor. They also created a new seasoning to go with the broth, and that's how they perfected the flavor they have today.
Furthermore, to prevent the ramen from becoming monotonous as you eat it, Italian elements are also incorporated. After enjoying the Japanese flavor of the soup, you can add "basil-flavored oil" as an accent to create a unique way to enjoy the flavor, which is the charm of KATAJIKENAI. This basil oil is a one-of-a-kind flavor-changing item that is unique to KATAJIKENAI, providing customers with new discoveries and surprises.

Attention to detail in noodles

The noodles are made with special high-hydration noodles from MenyaTEIGAKU in Kyoto, a famous noodle factory that specializes in ramen and tsukemen. They are boiled just a little too soft. The noodles are also beautifully arranged. These slightly soft noodles go perfectly with the soup, and when you bring them close to your mouth, the aroma of the soup and wheat fills your nose, stimulating your appetite. When you slurp, the noodles are invited into your mouth in a wavy motion, and the soup they are known for is mixed in with the noodles, giving the sensation of the soup and noodles going wild inside your mouth. The noodles are boiled just right to bring out the best of their flavor.

Attention to Toppings

The large, thinly and beautifully cut rare pork slices are lightly seasoned to bring out the flavor of the meat, and have a strong presence without overpowering the soup. The bamboo shoots are characterized by an exquisite crunch and smooth texture, and you can tell they were made with great care. In addition, the yuzu peel and Japanese pepper, which have been pounded to bring out their aroma, further enhance the flavor of the soup. The basil-flavored oil that comes with the dish adds a fun change of flavor.

And here are some popular side dishes:

Char siu yukhoe rice bowl. This is a rice bowl with our proud rare char siu seasoned in yukhoe style and served with egg yolk. This is a must-have side dish.

The bubbly chicken broth is also not to be missed.

The well-made chicken broth soup has no particular chicken smell, and it is clear that it has been made with care. The creamy soup, which is finely textured and fluffy to the touch, whipped in a blender, goes perfectly with the medium-thin Teigaku noodles! This time, I received the special, which included toppings of roast pork, large pieces of nori seaweed, bamboo shoots, green onions, chopped early red onions, wontons, and seasoned eggs, which blend into the white-based foamy soup, making it seem like you are looking at a snowy landscape. This dish is served with black pepper oil, which also becomes richer when you change the flavor halfway through, making it even more enjoyable to eat. This is a satisfying bowl that shows the owne rchef Mr.KATSURA's attention to detail everywhere, and I also recommend this.

Limited original menu items are introduced once every one to two months.

The best part is that the owner doesn't just show off his skills with standard dishes. He creates new dishes once or twice a month, and the quality is also impressive. But I think it's also good to try the shellfish broth ramen first, so you can get a feel for the restaurant's flavors, and then enjoy this type of food. The attention to detail is what makes KATAJIKENAI so great.

Ordering Method and Manners

Here we will introduce how to order and proper etiquette.

How to line up and points to note

When there is a line in front of a store, you will have to wait in line. There are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.

1. Line up at the back.
2. Line up once everyone is present.
3. Don't interrupt.
4. Don't block the entrances of other shops or homes.
5. Don't spread out too much on the road. Line up in a straight line.
*There is a designated way to line up, so please follow that.

Please follow the rules so that everyone can have a good time.

How to order

There are two main ways to order at ramen restaurants in Japan: buying a ticket from a ticket vending machine, or looking at the menu and ordering verbally.

Payment method is cash only .
After purchasing a meal ticket from the ticket machine , you will be shown to a seat, so please take a seat.
A staff member will come to your table and confirm your order.

A word from the owner, Yuuki Katsura

At our restaurant, we value the atmosphere inside the restaurant that goes beyond the typical ramen shop, and aim to serve a bowl of ramen that is a feast for the eyes and makes you want to say "delicious" without even thinking. We work hard every day with all our heart so that not only everyday customers, but also first-time customers will feel like "I want to bring someone special next time."

Business hours and holidays

[Business hours] 11:00-15:00, 17:00-21:00
[Store closed day] Monday