Experiencing Menbakaichidai, Kyoto Fire Ramen
As most know, ramen is a dish that can be found all over Japan. Traditional ramen in Japan is quite fresh, savory, and delicious.
Each region in Japan has its own style of ramen and it can even vary from restaurant to restaurant in a city. Before arriving in Kyoto, Japan we had heard rumors of a ramen restaurant that gave their customers a unique experience while dining and it involved FIRE! So naturally, we had to check it out.
When we first arrived at Menbakaichidai, Kyoto fire ramen, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. After waiting in line outside for a short while, we were seated at the counter of this small, yet cozy restaurant that is located close to Nijo Castle.
We were asked to put our belongings in the baskets that were strategically placed below our seats. Miyazawa-san, the owner of Menbakachidai proceeded to be the perfect host as he joked with us and began to put on a show while preparing our food.
After the initial preparations were made, Miyazawa-san saw us get out our phones to record the heated production that was about to take place. He quickly motioned for our phones and placed them on a selfie stick behind him in the kitchen and started to record our video of the flaming fire ramen!
As he poured the hot oil into the bowl of ramen flames erupted before us. But as quickly as they rose, they disappeared and we were left with a bowl of bubbling ramen almost ready to eat.
Safety Tips:
- If you have long hair you will be asked to pull it back in a ponytail so it is away from your face and the fire.
- Make sure you keep all parts of your body behind the counter as they are preparing your dish. We are playing with fire after all! 😉
- If you’d like to record your experience at Menbakaichidai have no fear! They have created the perfect way to do so and you’ll never be more thankful for a selfie-stick.
Who Wore It Better?!
When we finally had the opportunity to eat our dish, we were completely blown away. The combination of pork, green onion, noodle, and savory broth had us feeling like we had gone to ramen heaven. Needless to say, Kyoto fire ramen is unlike any other ramen shops for the experience and the taste too!
READ MORE: 5 Days in Kyoto, Japan
Think you’d like to try Menbakaichidai, Kyoto fire ramen while in Japan? Here is some useful information:
- At this time, they do not take reservations. Be sure to show up early if you’d like to ensure you get a seat at the counter!
- Kyoto Fire Ramen has a combination of seafood and chicken-based broth. However, they do offer a vegetable soup option for those who are vegetarian. They also have Halal-friendly ramen for all guests who do not eat pork.
- Allergen Information: Egg, Wheat, Mackerel, Chicken, Pork
Menbakaichidai Menu
Hours: 11:30am-11:00pm
Address: 757-2, Minamiiseyacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-Shi, Kyoto, 602-8153, Japan
If you’re looking for the perfect place to grab a bowl of ramen in Kyoto, this is your spot. Make sure to say hi to Miyazawa-san for us when you go!
Comments & Reviews
Raghav says
Such a cool post. I’m a huge foodie and love Japan and everything Japanese so this will come in really handy when I travel there. Love eating Ramen and Soba noodles and sushi and don’t think any trip to Japan is complete unless one tries these all. Fire ramen sounds very intriguing and can’t wait to try it.
kallsypage says
Thank you so much! When are you going? We are planning to return in 2018. The food is truly one of the best parts! We loved all of the street fare and of course the noodles, sushi, and so much more! Let us know what you think if you end up going. 🙂
Raghav says
My little one is 3 and while we took him to Switzerland this summer and he loved it I think he’ll be ready for Japan in another two years and maybe we can add on the Disney there for him then. So yeah hopefully in 2018
Lydia says
That looks like so much fun!! Definitely trying it out when I go to Japan!
kallsypage says
Let us know what you think when you do!
Mr Mike says
Fire ramen sounds delicious! I love how little hole in the wall restaurants have the best food. I definitely think that Logan wore that hairband better haha.
kallsypage says
We also love hole in the wall places – they always make for an experience. I’d have to agree with you Mike! Logan’s hair is too priceless. 🙂
Sarah says
OMG! Logan’s ponytail made me LOL!
kallsypage says
Still makes me LOL! He’s a goof! 😉
Nathan says
I’ve never seen anything like this– how cool. I would love to try it someday. It looks delicious.
kallsypage says
It was a very unique experience. 🙂 I hope you do get to try it!
Punita says
Fire Ramen sounds as if it is really hot and spicy. The dish doesn’t look like that, though.
kallsypage says
It actually isn’t spicy at all! It’s only called fire ramen because it is lit on fire to cook. 🙂
Alexis says
Looks like fun and sounds delicious! I love Logan’s hairdo! LOL! You two are so adorable!
kallsypage says
It was such a fun experience! I told him he should wear his hair like that more often. 🙂 Thank you Alexis!
Sandy says
Ramen are everyone’s favourite. Seems like a cool and fun day. Japan seems to be a haven for foodies.
kallsypage says
Ramen is definitely delicious! You’re absolutely right about Japan being a haven for foodies. We walked nearly 25 miles a day and didn’t lose a pound while there! LOL. 🙂
Amy says
YUMMMMM!!!! You two are the cutest, love the napkin bibs. Just pinned this!
kallsypage says
Thank you Amy! We had a lot of laughs visiting here. 🙂
izzy says
I always love hearing about new food spots. I was in Japan when I was 13 but I think it warrants a return visit, I just need to make sure that my wallet is well-equipped to handle all the dining out I’ll be doing! And to answer that who wore it better challenge… you guys both look the same! So adorable! It’s a tie!
kallsypage says
You definitely need to go back! We are heading back in 2018 because we loved it so much. Fortunately for your wallet the food isn’t too expensive – this restaurant was a little more than others we visited but worth it! Thanks for reading 🙂
Jess says
I was wondering if we tried the ramen without fire. How does the taste compare?
kallsypage says
We didn’t try it without the fire but I would assume it would be the same! 🙂 More fun to enjoy the show though.
kallsypage says
It really was! I hope you are able to try it someday. 🙂
kallsypage says
Kyoto was our favorite city that we visited in Japan! Fire Ramen was a huge perk of course. 🙂
kallsypage says
It was incredibly yummy! 🙂