たぬきチャ
This is the Kameoka branch of "Daikoku Ramen". There used to be a shop in Kyotanabe as well, but it has since closed down. Now it seems that only this branch is in operation. I have visited the Kyotanabe branch before, but this is my first visit here. I arrived around 5 pm on a weekday, and there were not many customers at that time. The shop is located along Route 9, facing west, next to "Takabashi Ramen". The exterior of the shop is easy to spot with a prominent sign featuring a red Daikoku figure. There is a parking lot in front of the shop as well. Inside, there are both counter seats and table seats, and the shop is run by a serious-looking male artisan and a young female staff member. The atmosphere is earnest and the service is friendly. The ramen menu mainly features chicken broth ramen, with options such as light soy sauce, miso, salt, super spicy habanero, tantanmen, black vinegar ankake noodles, spicy stamina noodles, mixed noodles, tsukemen, curry tsukemen, and more. There are also plenty of side dish options, including dishes that are reminiscent of izakaya fare. Additionally, there are set menu options that combine side dishes with ramen. Pink pickled ginger and sesame are complimentary. On this day, I ordered the Char Siu Ramen for 880 yen. The ramen arrived shortly, with a milky broth topped with char siu, seasoned egg, bamboo shoots, shredded red chili pepper, white negi, and regular negi. The soup is made from simmering chicken bones and autumn leaves, resulting in a broth that is described as rich and flavorful on the menu. However, it is not heavy, but rather has a low viscosity and a gentle, easy-to-drink flavor. There is a slight sweetness that can be detected, and the base chicken flavor is solid, making it a soup that you can continue to enjoy without getting tired of it. The noodles are medium-thin straight noodles made with plenty of water. They are cooked slightly soft, which pairs well with the thick soup. The char siu is thickly sliced and has a good balance of lean meat and fat, providing a pork-like flavor that is enjoyable. The seasoning is not too strong, and it complements the soup well. The seasoned egg is also flavorful, with a creamy yolk that adds a nice texture. The chicken ramen soup here may not have the bold, rich flavor that is trending now, but it is well-rounded with a solid chicken flavor that is gentle and not overwhelming. With a variety of other menu options available, I think it would be enjoyable to revisit this shop.