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

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.