Abroad in Japan · Friday, September 4, 2026
Chris Broad identifies Hakata (Fukuoka) as having groundbreaking ramen with its Tonkotsu soup broth and a "Ramen Street" featuring popular chains. He also points to Oita having the highest density of ramen shops per capita, with a local tourist center providing a map of over 100 unique establishments.
“I think the most groundbreaking revolutionary flavor that will genuinely make you go, wow, is Tonkotsu soup broth, which is famous in Hakata, Fukuoka.”
“But, uh, yeah, Hakata has like Ramen Street. And it's a street where all the most popular chains and most popular kind of ramen brands all in one place, all under one roof.”
“Oita has more ramen shops per capita than anywhere in Japan. It's not that big a town, but there's like 100 plus ramen shops.”