Wán Xìng ラーメンセンター Jī Shān Běn Diàn

I visited the restaurant for the first time with high expectations after refreshing myself with ramen two days ago. I arrived at the parking lot at 9:13 am, a little late for the 9 am opening, and saw many cars already there. There were two ticket machines, and I had to wait in a room with three other groups to reach the ticket machine. After a short wait, I was able to buy my tickets. I ordered two bowls of ramen, fried rice, and gyoza, and received a half ticket to my table. As soon as I saw customers leaving their tables, the staff quickly cleaned up and led the next customers to sit. Since there is a separate exit, it seems like they manage the crowds well without congestion. Shortly after, the fried rice arrived followed by the ramen and gyoza. There were large containers of crunchy pickled red ginger and daikon radish on the table for self-service. I ordered my ramen firm, which turned out to be the right choice as it was light and flavorful with a distinct pork bone taste, very delicious. The fried rice was moist and fluffy, which was nice. The slightly smaller gyoza were easy to eat and I devoured them quickly. I was a bit skeptical about eating so much in the morning, but surprisingly, the dishes were light enough for me to finish them all. I was surprised to see such a large number of customers supporting the restaurant from early in the morning. It's definitely worth the wait.

Upon entering through the "入口," you purchase a meal ticket, open the second door, and are promptly greeted at the reception counter for menu confirmation and seating arrangement. You are then encouraged to use alcohol disinfectant, showing that they have thorough measures in place for COVID-19 prevention. The tonkotsu ramen has a delicious soup with minimal odor, and the noodles are soft with a slightly yellow hue. The fried rice is also fluffy and to my liking. There are photos of yakisoba on the wall, prompting my spouse to want to try it next time. The spacious aisles inside the restaurant have trolleys transporting ordered items. On weekends and holidays, even if you avoid peak lunch hours, it is still highly likely to have to wait in line, so I recommend aiming to visit around 11 a.m. If leaving, you exit through the "出口," where there is a takeout counter available.

Connecting Fukuoka and Kurume is National Route 3. Located around Kiyama is a large ramen restaurant along this national highway. This is the epitome of national highway ramen. The parking lot is spacious, and the restaurant itself is also spacious. It's truly a drive-in restaurant. Whenever I drive along this route, I can't help but crave it. It's truly enticing to drive by and see. And my favorite special ramen. Extra chashu and green onions. A soft-boiled egg sits in the middle. It's different from both Hakata ramen and Kurume ramen. This is Maruko Ramen. A ramen that has been loved for over half a century. The soup is light, but incredibly delicious. It's a simple taste made only with pork bones, and it's not bland at all. The soft-boiled egg adds a creamy texture to it. The noodles are the standard medium-thin noodles. While it has a simple finish, it has a unique taste that's only found at Maruko Ramen. Perhaps that's why it's called National Highway ramen. A restaurant that has been loved for years from all over the country, with a continuous flow of customers. This is also ramen from Kyushu. It's a must-try dish. Thank you for the meal.

JR九州鹿児島本線けやき台駅徒歩10分 博多駅から片道480円 国道3号線沿いにあります 入店後券売機で食券購入し着席 主にテーブル席で4人掛けの席が30卓ほどあり カウンターと思われる席も4席ほどありました。 日曜日の午前10:15に訪問しましたが店内は3割ほど席が埋まっていて一人の方や家族連れがいらっしゃいました。 ラーメン540円と焼めし580円を注文 焼めしはウスターソースも提供され好みに味変ができる ラーメンはやはり博多よりやや太めの麺でスープは非常にまろやかでコクと甘みを感じまさした。 いざ食べ始めてレンゲがないことに気づきましたが何故無いのかは不明です。 店内のどこかにはあったのかもしれません。 博多からの交通費を考慮すると割高ではありますがたまには気分転換に佐賀らーめんを楽しむ為と思えば安いものだなと思います。 せっかくの佐賀らーめんなのにたまごのトッピング忘れたことが悔やまれるのでまた訪れてみようと思います。