Kyoto Quick Bite, Ramen Muraji

The Gion neighborhood of Kyoto is filled with beautifully preserved machiya (wooden houses). Modern day Gion has many shops, restaurants, and traditional teahouses where geisha still entertain.

Although Gion is a popular tourist spot, the traditional and sometimes high-end restaurants can be intimidating. Ramen Muraji  is an approachable shop with affordable prices. Located in a traditional machiya and beautifully decorated, the restaurant has friendly staff and English menus.

If life gives you lemons, add them to your ramen. That’s what Muraji does, and their beautiful bowl of lemon ramen is a big hit.  The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken soup, but it’s not overly sour. The umami of the chicken broth really shines through. It’s listed as a limited menu item, but it’s been available for a few years.

All the ramen is chicken based here, but it has a richness and depth of flavor that it unexpected.

If you need more chicken, the karaage is juicy and perfectly fried, with a good hint of ginger.

Details

Ramen Muraji has become increasingly popular since I first discovered it.  Expect a line if you visit during peak meal hours.  The restaurant is located in Gion, approximately 5 minutes from Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line.

Ramen Muraji is open from 11:30 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 22:00 on Monday – Saturday and 11:30 – 20:00 on Sundays and Holidays.  The shop closes early when the ramen sells out.

Address: Kiyomotocho 373-2, Kyoto Higashiyama, Kyoto

Phone: 075-774-1144

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