Hanamaruken Ramen is renowned for serving some of the best tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen in Osaka, and its 24-hour service makes it a favorite among international travelers. You may have come across it on social media or the internet, but is it really worth the hype?
In this article, we dive into the details, including location, and menu. We also provide a review of the taste, price, and atmosphere from a traveler’s perspective. If you’re unsure whether to visit Hanamaruken Ramen, this article will help you make an informed decision.
What is Hanamaruken Ramen
Hanamaruken is a tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen shop located in the Dotonbori area of Namba, Osaka. Known for its rich pork bone broth and melt-in-your-mouth chashu, this ramen shop is a favorite among many international tourists. Additionally, it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can visit anytime, day or night.
Basic information of Hanamaruken Ramen
In this section, you can find the basic information about Hanamaruken Ramen. Be sure to check it out before visiting the restaurant:
Location
Hanamaruken Ramen has two locations in Osaka. However, the branch most visited by international travelers is the one in the Dotonbori area. It is very close to the popular tourist spot of Dotonbori, making it easily accessible.
You can find hanamaruken ramen in Dotonbori below:
Operation hours
Hanamaruken Ramen is open 24 hours a day, making it very convenient to visit anytime. Additionally, Japanese people love eating ramen after drinking alcohol. After enjoying a night at clubs or bars, ending the day with a bowl of ramen is one way to enjoy the experience.
Menu
The menu at Hanamaruken Ramen offers some versions of tonkotsu ramen, such as ramen with a seasoned egg or an extra helping of chashu.
You can also enjoy side dishes like gyoza and fried rice, with combo options available alongside the ramen.
Orders are made at a touch panel near the entrance, which supports English, Korean, and Chinese, allowing for smooth ordering.
Additionally, credit card payment is available, making it convenient for visitors.
Reservation
Hanamaruken Ramen does not take reservations. It’s a popular ramen shop in Dotonbori, and there is usually a waiting line during lunch and dinner hours. (When I visited, I waited for about 15 minutes.)
If you don’t want to wait, it’s recommended to visit out of peak lunch and dinner times.
What are the reviews for Hanamaruken Ramen?
Hanamaruken Ramen is popular among international travelers, so it has received many reviews. Here, we summarize the reviews from restaurant review sites. Please take a look for reference.
Tripadvisor
Here’s a summary of the reviews from Tripadvisor
・Rich tonkotsu broth and tender pork are popular
・Ordering is easy via machine, and service is quick.
・Popular with tourists, often with waiting times.
There are 235 reviews on TripAdvisor, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Tabelog
Here’s a summary of the reviews from Tabelog
・Rich tonkotsu broth with tender pork, but some find it too oily.
・Always busy with long lines, popular among tourists.
・Free kimchi and garlic are available, but the ramen is often described as average.
There are 467 reviews on Tabelog, with a rating of 3.49 out of 5.
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Honest reviews of Hanamaruken Ramen
We visited Hanamaruken Ramen to provide an honest review from a traveler’s perspective, covering the taste, whether it’s traveler-friendly, and the pricing. Compared to reviews on the internet and social media, use this guide when considering a visit to Hanamaruken Ramen.
Traveler-friendly
Hanamaruken Ramen is extremely popular among international travelers. The menu and in-store instructions are available in English, Korean, and Chinese, making it easy to navigate. Some staff members also speak English, so it’s convenient for communicating if needed.
Inside, seating is counter-style with the kitchen right in front of you. This setup might be a bit inconvenient for families with small children. The interior has a traditional ramen shop atmosphere, with wood accents, allowing you to fully experience Japan’s ramen culture.
Food review
This time, I ordered the most popular item, Happiness Ramen. Let’s see the truth behind this highly rated bowl of ramen.
Happiness Ramen 950 JPY (6.37 USD)
When it comes to Hanamaruken Ramen, the “Happiness Ramen” is a standout. One of its unique features is the writing on the seaweed, which changes daily. On my visit, it said “Visit of Happiness,” adding a fun touch to the dish.
The ramen uses thin noodles, which pair perfectly with the rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. The smooth texture of the noodles complements the thick, savory soup, making it easy to keep slurping until the last drop.
There are two types of chashu (pork) in the bowl: one is a thinly sliced piece, and the other is a block of chashu. Both are incredibly tender, almost falling apart when you pick them up with chopsticks. The flavor is rich and packed with the umami of pork, making it incredibly delicious. However, it may feel a bit heavy due to the fattiness, which some people might find a bit too rich.
Price review
The total for this meal was 950 JPY (6.37 USD). Despite being in one of Osaka’s prime tourist spots, the price is quite affordable. They also offer combo meals, so if you want to enjoy fried rice or gyoza along with your ramen, ordering a combo is a better deal. The restaurant also accepts credit cards, which is convenient for travelers.
Average price of Hanamaruken Ramen: 1,000 JPY (6.88 USD)
Overall evaluation
Hanamaruken Ramen is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Osaka, especially if you’re in the Dotonbori area. Open 24 hours, it’s the perfect stop whether you’re looking for a late-night meal or a quick lunch.
Their signature tonkotsu ramen, with tender pork and perfectly matched thin noodles, delivers a satisfying, authentic flavor. Plus, with an easy-to-navigate menu in multiple languages and the option to pay by card, it’s incredibly tourist-friendly.
For great taste, convenience, and value, Hanamaruken Ramen is a top choice you won’t want to miss!
The recommendation score : 9 out of 10
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