Kyoto’s famous ramen shop, Menya Hijiri, has officially opened in Sakae, Nagoya. Originally loved in Ichijoji, Kyoto — one of Japan’s most competitive ramen districts — this shop is known for its refined soy sauce ramen and beautifully presented toppings. Now that Menya Hijiri Nagoya has arrived, I had to visit and see whether it lives up to the hype. If you’re planning a ramen stop in Sakae, here’s everything you need to know: waiting times, menu highlights, atmosphere, prices and honest impressions.
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Waiting Time – Is It Busy?
I visited at 7:30 pm on a weekday evening. I expected a queue, but surprisingly there was no wait at all. However, reviews suggest that lunchtime can get busy. If you prefer a relaxed meal without having to queue, evening is your safest bet.
Atmosphere – Stylish and Surprisingly Calm
The interior feels modern and minimalist, designed with brown, black and white tones. Wooden counters and soft lighting give it more of a café feel than a typical ramen shop. Unlike many ramen places in Japan, it isn’t loud or hectic. So if you’re travelling solo — especially as a woman — this feels comfortable and easy to enter. Seating is split roughly half-and-half between counter seats and tables, making it suitable for both solo diners and small groups. When I visited, there were also international tourists inside, which shows how much attention Menya Hijiri Nagoya is already receiving on social media.
Menu Overview
There are three main ramen options:
| Ramen Name | Flavor Profile |
| Hachiku | Shellfish-based broth (Oyster, Clam, Shijimi). |
| Madake | Traditional Kyoto-style soy sauce with bonito and kombu. |
| Kurochiku | Rich, darker soy sauce balancing bitterness and sweetness. |
Each bowl includes roast pork (chashu), bamboo shoots (menma) and spring onions.
A seasoned soft-boiled egg costs an extra £0.50 (approx. ¥100).
• Large portion: +¥120
• Extra noodles (kaedama): +¥150
Custom Topping Options
You can adjust the toppings depending on how indulgent you feel:
Simple Ramen
1 slice of rare chashu, 1 bamboo shoot, spring onions
Special Ramen
4 slices of rare chashu, 1 limited chashu, 4 bamboo shoots, 1 egg, spring onions
Side Dishes
Prices are reasonable, so it’s easy to add something extra:
• Seared rare chashu rice bowl – ¥350
• Chicken gyoza (3 pieces) – ¥300
Perfect if you’re hungry or sharing.
What I Ordered – Madake (Classic Soy Sauce Ramen)
Since I was craving something traditional, I chose Madake — the most classic soy sauce option. The bowl arrived in about five minutes, which is impressively quick.
The first thing you notice is the presentation. Three large slices of rare chashu sit beautifully on top, alongside an unusually long piece of bamboo shoot that almost looks like a whole bamboo stem. It’s visually striking — very Instagrammable. The aroma of soy sauce gently rises from the bowl, building anticipation.
The Broth
The soup is light but full of flavour. You can taste the subtle kombu stock underneath the soy sauce, giving it depth without heaviness. It isn’t greasy or overpowering, which makes it easy to finish the entire bowl. If you usually find ramen too rich, this could be your ideal choice.
The Noodles
Medium-thick noodles with a slightly chewy texture. They hold the broth well, so every bite feels balanced.
The Toppings
The chashu slices are large, lean and surprisingly tender. They aren’t fatty, so they feel refined rather than heavy. And the bamboo shoot? Huge. Thick, crunchy and satisfying. It genuinely adds texture and makes the bowl memorable. Overall, the quality of toppings really stands out at Menya Hijiri Nagoya.
Location & Access
The shop is located near Yaba Park in Sakae. The nearest station is Yabacho Station.
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