A really fun and random activity?
The fire ramen restaurant “Menbakaichidai” near Nijo Castle.
Is it touristy and gimmicky?
1000% yes.
Does the ramen taste bad?
Actually, not really. I mean, it wasn’t my favourite ramen ever but I did finish it and I expected it to be shocking. It was pleasantly surprising!
This place DOES, however, have great options for those needing gluten free food. They have gluten free soy sauce and use it to make the ramen, gyoza and fried rice too. They can also cook these meals separately. They can also cater for those who need vegan food.
I visited with my Mum and I had read that it is really popular so I made sure we lined up about 30 minutes before it opened at 11am – and even then I think we were the 8th and 9th people in line?
The line, however, did move quickly. It is a well oiled touristy machine in there.
Once we were in there and it was fire ramen time, all instructions were given in Japanese AND English. Hair had to be tied back, we were told to lean back and we had to sit on our hands ( hence why this is definitely NOT a kid-friendly activity.)
I would definitely do it again with first-timers to Japan.
Click here to see the video of the fire ramen action on my instagram account here.
And how did I get the photos and videos?
Well, the staff take your phones and have all these phone clamps on the wall all ready to capture it all. Like I said, well oiled machine!
MENBAKAICHIDAI FIRE RAMEN
上京区南伊勢屋町757-2ササキビル
SASAKI BUILDING, 757-2 MINAMI-ISEYACHO, KAMIGYO-KU
OPEN 11:30AM-11PM
MENBAKAICHIDAI WEBSITE
