Hongo Tei Ramen - One of Nagoya's Own.

Ramen for EATING!

Greetings Ramen-jammers,

This time, we'll be stopping by a Nagoya local chain called Hongo Tei. This is a small chain of shops with a very dedicated following among those who know about them. They're kind of a local secret. There are a few of these shops sprinkled around Eastern and Central Nagoya and they usually have a line out the door around mealtimes. They claim to be the "Ramen King", and after sampling their fare, I can't gainsay that claim. This shop is a serious contender!

Hongo Tei Ramen - Near Hongo Station on the Yellow Line.

Tonkotsu vs Miso : Play-by-Play 

Hongo Tei has a menu that offers something for just about everyone. This time around, I sampled their signature "Paitan"(Whitewater) Tonkotsu Ramen and their Hongo Tei Miso Ramen. Both are top-shelf examples of excellent ramen. let me give you a few details:

Paitan - (white water) Ramen.

Contender #1: Paitan Ramen

This is a brilliant Tonkotsu Ramen that can be described using a single word: MEATY! The soup has a pork flavor so rich, one finds oneself growing a curly tail after downing half a bowl. Not just the soup, either. The Charshu Pork topping is enormous! It's basically a pork roast floating in your soup bowl. No, seriously. Look:

They give you THREE of these!

 This soup is a meat-lover's dream and a vegan's nightmare. A must-try for those who want to let their inner carnivore out for a holiday. But that's not all! There's more...

Hongo Tei Miso Ramen. Get ready to chew.

Contender #2: Miso Ramen

Tangy, full-bodied and with enough toppings to keep your choppers busy for a week; Here's Hongo Tei Miso Ramen. Not just the charshu pork, but egg and veggies too. This is a soup for EATING. I can't say enough good things. Lots of flavor. Lots of toppings. If this isn't King Ramen, it's definitely in the royal family.

Lunchtime includes bottomless rice, pickled veggies and kim-chi! The gyoza are extra. Sorry.

A Full Spread!

These guys really know how to do ramen. With a varied menu and a range of side dishes, this is a restaurant that won't leave you wanting. Nagoya has a real jewel in Hongo Tei.You can enjoy a bowl here or check out the website. It's worth stopping by.

Happy Ramening!