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Thursday, December 18, 2025

Popular Kurume-Style Tonkotsu at Dairyu Ichiban, Ramen Restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)

This summer, my husband and I visited Fukuoka, Japan. He had already discovered Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番) earlier in the spring and insisted we return together — he couldn’t stop talking about their ramen and gyoza. (You can check out his first impressions in my earlier post: A Taste of Japan: 6 Meals & Treats My Husband Enjoyed.)

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)

Dairyu Ichiban is a well-known ramen chain specializing in Kurume-style tonkotsu ramen, one of the roots of Hakata ramen. Unlike the lighter Hakata broth you’ll find in central Fukuoka, Kurume-style is frothy, rich, and deeply flavorful — the kind of soup that clings to the noodles and keeps you coming back for another sip.

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)
1311-8 Kamahara,
Yame City, Fukuoka

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)

Inside, the atmosphere is nostalgic and welcoming, with counter seats, tables, and even tatami mats. Signed boards from past visitors line the walls, adding to the charm.

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)

Dairyu Ichiban Menu

Ramen for 720 yen

🍜 My Ramen (720 yen / ~$5)

I ordered their classic ramen. The broth was frothy and addictive, with a depth that made each spoonful irresistible. The handmade noodles had just the right bite, and I loved customizing my bowl with grated garlic and shredded red ginger pickles from the topping bar.

Grated Garlic

Ramen

Iron-Pan Gyoza

🥟 Iron-Pan Gyoza (450 yen / ~$3)

We couldn’t resist their signature 鉄なべ餃子 (iron-pan gyoza). Served sizzling hot in a cast-iron pan, each bite-sized dumpling had a crisp golden skin and a juicy, collagen-rich filling. They were so flavorful that we kept reaching for more — the perfect companion to ramen.

Iron-Pan Gyoza

🍚 Husband’s Set Meal (950 yen / ~$6.50)

My husband ordered the ramen + char siu bowl set, one of their best value meals. The frothy tonkotsu broth paired beautifully with the sweet-savory char siu pork over rice, creating a complete and satisfying combination.

Char Siu Bowl

Dairyu Ichiban captures the essence of Kurume-style ramen — hearty, frothy, and full of character. Whether you’re slurping noodles, savoring sizzling gyoza, or enjoying a char siu rice bowl, it’s a meal that feels both comforting and memorable. And the best part? Our entire spread for two — ramen, gyoza, and a char siu bowl set — cost only 2,120 yen (about $14.60). If we had ordered a similar feast in the U.S., with tax and tip included, it easily could have been $65 or more. That makes this experience not only delicious but also an incredible value.

These are my entries related to Fukuoka.

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A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Best Breakfasts in Hakata: 3 Must-Try Restaurants

5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka

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Thursday, December 11, 2025

Hoteido Bakery in Fukuoka: Showa‑Era Nostalgia and Simple Japanese Breads

Hoteido (ほてい堂深町パン店)

My husband and I visited Fukuoka, Japan this year, and one of our goals was to find a bakery worth exploring. Since bread is something we both love, I searched for a place with history and character, and that’s how we discovered Hoteido (ほてい堂深町パン店) in Chikugo, Fukuoka. This small neighborhood shop has been baking since 1943, and it carries the nostalgic charm of the Showa era. Just a short walk from JR Hainuzuka Station, the shop remains a local favorite where generations have enjoyed everyday comfort flavors.

Hoteido (ほてい堂深町パン店)
240-4 Yamanoi, Chikugo
Fukuoka, Japan

Hoteido (ほてい堂深町パン店)

Hoteido is best known for its simple, affordable breads — butter bread, cream bread, and melon bread — each priced around 120 yen. We decided to buy a few of their classics, including butter bread and cream bread. As we drove through Chikugo, the aroma filled the car, and before we knew it, we had eaten every last piece.

クリームパン Cream Pan

Cream Pan (クリームパン) is a soft bun filled with custard cream. The bread was light and fluffy, with a gentle sweetness that made each bite comforting. The custard inside was smooth and simple, not too rich, and carried a nostalgic flavor that reminded me of old‑style Japanese bakeries.

バタークリーム　Butter Cream

Butter Cream (バタークリーム) is a fluffy bread generously filled with buttercream blended with coarse sugar. The bread is soft and light, while the filling adds a gentle sweetness and a slight crunch. Its flavor is simple yet comforting, the kind of taste that feels nostalgic and easy to enjoy anytime.

あんぱん Anpan

Anpan (あんぱん) is a soft, fluffy bread filled with smooth red bean paste. The filling is mildly sweet, giving each bite a gentle balance of flavor. The bread itself carries a light sweetness, making the whole bun simple, comforting, and nostalgic.

シーチキンサラダ Sea Chicken Salad

Sea Chicken Salad (シーチキンサラダ) is a savory bread filled with a creamy tuna‑mayonnaise mixture. The bread is fluffy with a hint of sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the salty, umami flavor of the tuna filling. The balance of richness and softness made this one especially memorable for us, and we both agreed it was a favorite. By the way, “sea chicken” is the Japanese term for canned tuna.

Visiting Hoteido was a small but memorable highlight of our time in Fukuoka. The bakery’s simple breads carried a nostalgic flavor that felt both comforting and unique to Japan. Even though the shop is modest, its history and nostalgic local charm made the experience special — the kind of place where you taste not just bread, but tradition.

These are my entries related to Fukuoka.

Top 3 Seafood Restaurants to Visit Around Hakata

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A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

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Thursday, December 4, 2025

From Fishmonger to Sushi Restaurant: Sushi Ichiban in Fukuoka, Japan

Sushi Ichiban (すし一番)

This summer, my husband and I visited Fukuoka, Japan. Before the trip, I watched several YouTube videos about Sushi Ichiban (すし一番). Many people described it as a popular local sushi restaurant owned by a fishmonger. The sushi is known for being fresh and reasonably priced. Sushi Ichiban was also one of my childhood favorites. The last time I ate there was when I was a teenager. Returning after so many years made me feel both nostalgic and excited.

Sushi Ichiban (すし一番)

When I was a child, Sushi Ichiban was just one restaurant. Now they have a branch in addition to the main location. Both places only open for limited hours, so it is important to check the schedule before visiting. Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner is from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Sushi Ichiban (すし一番)

Lunch 11 am to 2:30 pm

Dinner 5 pm to 9:30

Main restaurant
2228-840 Kamitsumachi
Kurume, Fukuoka

Branch (Kamitsu Ten)
1669-1 Kamitsumachi
Kurume, Fukuoka

Sushi Ichiban is both a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant and an order-made sushi restaurant. If you want the freshest taste, it is best to order the sushi you like directly. When we arrived, it was already 1:30 pm, only one hour before closing. At that time, the conveyor belt had stopped, so ordering sushi was the only option.

At the entrance, the staff displayed the recommended menu for the day. The selections included Shima-aji (striped jack), Hirame (flounder), Kanpachi (yellowtail), and Kinmedai (golden eye snapper). There were also other seasonal choices available.

Sushi Ichiban Menu

As you can see from the menu, the food is very affordable. We decided to order the items we really wanted to try.

The sushi was consistently fresh, with bright flavors that made every bite enjoyable.

えび　Ebi (Shrimp) 143 yen for two

さーもん　Salmon 143 yen for two

いか　Ika (Squid) 143 yen for two

生えび　Nama Ebi (Raw Shrimp) 143 yen for two

やりいか　Yari Ika (spear squid) 264 yen for two

たい　Tai (Snapper) 143 yen each

本まぐろ　Hon Maguro (bluefin tuna) 143 yen each

まぐろ　Maguro (Tuna) 143 yen for two

しまあじ　Shima-Aji (Striped Jack) 198 yen each

かつおのたたき　Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito) 264 yen for two

金目鯛　Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) 264 yen each

うに　Uni (Sea Urchin) 352 yen for two

げそさらだ　Geso Sald (Squid Leg Salad) 198 yen each

ねぎとろ　Negi Toro (Minced Tuna) 143 yen for two

うにくりーむころっけ　Uni Cream Croquette (Sea Urchin Croquette) 352 yen for three

This time we wanted to try the Uni Cream Croquette. Some YouTubers recommended it, so we were curious. It arrived hot and crisp on the outside. The inside was soft and creamy, with a clear sea urchin flavor. The rich taste blended with the smooth texture, making each bite warm and satisfying. I really enjoyed it.

うにくりーむころっけ　Uni Cream Croquette (Sea Urchin Croquette)

We ordered many dishes. The fresh sushi and croquette cost only 3,784 yen including tax. For two people, it was just $26. In the United States, the same amount of sushi would usually cost much more, so this felt very affordable. Enjoying so much fresh seafood at such a low price made the meal even more satisfying.

Visiting Sushi Ichiban again after so many years was a special experience. The sushi was fresh, the croquette was unique, and the price was very reasonable compared to what we would pay in the United States. It reminded me of my childhood, yet also felt new because I was sharing it with my husband. Sushi Ichiban is not a fancy place, but it offers honest flavors and great value. For anyone visiting Kurume, it is a wonderful stop to enjoy local sushi culture.

These are my entries related to Fukuoka.