Discover Saga Ramen: The Hidden Gem of Kyushu
When people think of Kyushu ramen, "Hakata" or "Kurume" often come to mind first. However, "Saga Ramen" is a unique, must-try evolution that is highly prized by those in the know.
Characterized by slightly thicker and softer noodles than the Hakata style, Saga Ramen is famously topped with local seaweed (Nori) from the Ariake Sea and a raw egg yolk. One sip of the deep, gentle, and nourishing broth, and you will understand its charm. Here are some of the best Saga Ramen shops to visit.
Recommended Saga Ramen Shops
| Type | Shop Name | Address | Phone | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonkotsu |
Ikkyuken (Gofuku Motomachi) 一休軒 呉服元町店 |
1-8 Gofuku Motomachi, Saga City 佐賀市呉服元町1-8 |
0952-27-2180 | Rich flavor from a "master broth." Soft noodles are recommended. |
| Tonkotsu |
Saga Ramen Ichigen. 佐賀ラーメンいちげん。 |
925-1 Nishikoga, Kawasoe-machi, Saga City 佐賀市川副町大字西古賀925-1 |
0952-45-7865 | A famous lineage. Known for long lines and a sharp, rich soup. |
| Tonkotsu |
Ekimae Ramen Big One 駅前ラーメンビッグワン |
1-13-16 Ekimae Chuo, Saga City 佐賀市駅前中央1-13-16 |
0952-30-8212 | Founded in 1983. A light, less oily soup located near Saga Station. |
| Tonkotsu |
Kuidouraku (Kitagata) 佐賀ラーメン喰道楽 北方本店 |
1204-1 Shiku, Kitagata-machi, Takeo City 武雄市北方町大字志久1204-1 |
0954-36-2846 | A rich, flavorful soup slow-cooked in traditional iron cauldrons. |
| Tonkotsu |
Non-buu 黒豚とんこつのんぶー |
2-2 Gofuku Motomachi, Saga City 佐賀市呉服元町2-2 |
090-2507-1261 | MSG-free Berkshire pork broth. Choose from 6 types of noodles. |
| Tonkotsu |
Korakuen 後楽園本店 |
714-2 Sayamurai, Kita-taku-machi, Taku City 多久市北多久町大字小侍714-2 |
0952-75-3035 | Established in 1979. Features a light broth and medium-thick noodles. |
| Tonkotsu |
Koyokaku 幸陽閣 |
3-31 Shimoda-machi, Saga City 佐賀市下田町3-31 |
0952-24-5084 | 100% pork bone broth using traditional methods. Authentic Saga style. |
| Tonkotsu |
Daikyu Ramen 大久ラーメン 吉野ヶ里本店 |
2150-1 Yoshida, Yoshinogari, Kanzaki District 神埼郡吉野ヶ里町吉田2150-1 |
0952-52-1678 | Established in 1986. A powerful, extra-rich soup boiled for hours. |
| Tonkotsu |
Tokuyoshi Ramen 徳吉ラーメン |
2146-11 Nanri, Kawasoe-machi, Saga City 佐賀市川副町大字南里2146-11 |
0952-45-7495 | A long-established local favorite with a consistent, classic taste. |
| Tonkotsu |
Toyoken 東洋軒 |
1-5-7 Mizugae, Saga City 佐賀市水ヶ江1-5-7 |
0952-23-4859 | A historic shop offering a light yet deeply flavorful experience. |
| Tonkotsu |
Menya Pui Pui 麺屋 ぷいぷい |
4-6-1 Nabeshima, Saga City 佐賀市鍋島4-6-1 |
0952-65-4240 | A deep tonkotsu soup with a focus on high-quality domestic ingredients. |
| Tonkotsu |
Menya Black Pig 麺家 ぶらっくぴっぐ |
2480-1 Nakahara, Kase-machi, Saga City 佐賀市嘉瀬町中原2480-1 |
0952-26-5666 | A punchy flavor created by blending two types of pork bone broth. |
| Tonkotsu |
Maruko Ramen Center 丸幸ラーメンセンター |
1642 Ogura, Kiyama, Miyaki District 三養基郡基山町大字小倉1642 |
0942-92-2855 | Famous for its yellow exterior. Offers a creamy, timeless flavor. |
| Tonkotsu |
Maruso Ramen まる宗ラーメン |
1113-10 Sayamurai, Kita-taku-machi, Taku City 多久市北多久町大字小侍1113-10 |
0952-75-5204 | A traditional and gentle pork bone soup that warms the soul. |
| Tonkotsu |
Marutoyo Ramen Center マルトヨラーメンセンター |
418-6 Fukumo, Omachi, Kishima District 杵島郡大町町大字福母418-6 |
0952-82-3536 | A rich broth served in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. |
| Tonkotsu |
Raikyuken 来久軒 |
12-8 Showa, Takeo-machi, Takeo City 武雄市武雄町大字昭和12-8 |
0954-22-2522 | An iconic Takeo shop. The essence of pork flavor is concentrated here. |
| Tonkotsu |
Ryuzato 竜里 |
4070-2 Nabata, Karatsu City 唐津市菜畑4070-2 |
0955-73-4920 | Inherits the recipe of the legendary "Ichiryuken." Mellow and rich. |
How to Enjoy Saga Ramen Like a Local
To experience the true depth of Saga Ramen, we highly recommend adding a raw egg topping. Halfway through your meal, break the yolk into the soup; it makes the broth even milder and creates a delicious change in flavor.
Unlike the "Barikata" (extra firm) noodles popular in Hakata, the Saga style is to enjoy "Yawa" (soft) noodles that blend perfectly with the soup. Find your favorite shop and enjoy a bowl of Saga's soul food!
