熊本で味わえる博多とんこつ : Ittou to Shimotori Ten

I visited on a weekday evening.
This restaurant has only counter seating.
I ordered the Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen (JPY 800) with firm noodles.
After a short wait, my meal was served in about 3 minutes—impressive speed!
The quick cooking time is a benefit of the thin noodles.
The milky white tonkotsu broth has a visible layer of fat on the surface, showcasing authentic Hakata ramen.
The appearance of the broth reminds me of the famous Daruma ramen shop in Fukuoka.
At first sip, it seems rich, but the balance of umami and saltiness is excellent, making it hard to resist drinking more.
It’s simply delicious.
The thin noodles slide down easily.
I believe that firmer noodles pair better with this broth.
The extra noodle (kaedama) is still priced at JPY 100, which is great.
I also requested grated garlic.
Previously, there was garlic and a crusher on the table, but it seems the serving method has changed.
I added the kaedama sauce, white sesame, white pepper, and the grated garlic on a separate plate.
This completely transformed the flavor, showcasing the true essence of Hakata ramen.
The rich taste of the tonkotsu is layered with multiple umami notes.
I enjoyed it plain at first, and then enhanced the flavor with the extra noodles.
I left feeling very satisfied. Thank you for the meal!

Ittou to offers delicious Hakata ramen.
They have two locations in the center of Kumamoto.
Surprisingly, they also serve Tsukemen.
This was my first time trying it.
I ordered the Seafood Tsukemen Large (JPY 880), which comes with 300g of noodles.
After a short wait, it took almost 10 minutes to serve. Compared to regular thin noodle ramen, it does take a bit longer.
However, the rich-looking broth and the generous portion of thick noodles really whet my appetite.
The broth is a thick and flavorful seafood tonkotsu.
The toppings include plenty of green onions and grilled nori.
There's even chashu submerged in it.
The noodles are thick, curly noodles specifically made for Tsukemen.
They have a chewy texture.
By the way, a flavorful soft-boiled egg comes standard, which is a nice bonus.
It was a great meal.

Enjoy authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen in Kumamoto.
Ittou to, located just off Kamitori, has opened its second location in Shimotori.
This alley leads towards Kumamoto City Hall from the Shimotori Arcade, in an area bustling with numerous ramen shops.
With a variety of options available, it's not an exaggeration to say it's a competitive zone.
I visited during lunch hours.
Conveniently located in the city center, the restaurant was busy with both arriving and departing customers.
At the ticket vending machine, I purchased ramen (JPY 650) and an extra serving of noodles (JPY 100).
I sat at the counter and handed over the ticket.
When asked about noodle firmness, I requested them regular.
Within about three minutes, my bowl arrived.
The richness of the broth was evident just from its appearance.
It gave off a visual reminiscent of "Daruma," a well-known Hakata ramen.
I took my first sip of the broth.
A bold and rich tonkotsu flavor hit me.
It's distinctly different from Kumamoto-style ramen.
While I think of "Bunryu" when it comes to rich flavors in Kumamoto, the types are quite different.
The broth, with a gentle thickness, seeps into your very being.
The noodles are thin and straight, which go well with the broth.
An extra serving of noodles is a must.
I was delighted that it was only JPY 100.
I ordered them "barikata" (very firm).
The pleasing crunchiness is delightful.
On the table, there is garlic and a garlic crusher.
A quick squeeze, and the flavor transforms into something extraordinary.
Unless you have plans to meet someone, I highly recommend adding it.
I left completely satisfied—it was a great meal.