Hourai Ramen
Founded 1958. Iconic jet-black soup made with ma-yu (garlic burnt in sesame oil and lard). House-made noodles, generous bean sprouts and wood ear mushrooms. Single menu item: ramen at 750 yen. The pinnacle of Hitoyoshi B-grade gourmet with constant queues. Featured at Tokyo Ramen Street 2026.
Reviewers note it looks intimidatingly black but is surprisingly light. The garlic aroma stimulates appetite. Considered a sacred birthplace of Kumamoto ramen - several famous ramen masters trained here. Reopened 2022 after flood damage.