If you’re exploring Shiga and craving something bold, hearty, and fiery, make your way to Dragon Ramen, located in the city of Ritto. This local ramen shop has built a loyal following for its signature extra-spicy ramen, loaded with juicy offal and crisp vegetables in a bright red broth.
Whether you’re into spice challenges or just want a solid bowl of flavor-packed ramen, Dragon Ramen delivers far beyond expectations.
🌶️ A Bowl That Packs a Punch: Dragon Ramen (Medium Spicy)
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the shop’s namesake—Dragon Ramen.
This fiery bowl comes topped with stir-fried offal, bean sprouts, garlic chives, and chili threads. The base is a miso broth tinted deep red with chili oil and spices.
The broth strikes a fine balance: intensely spicy, but deeply savory. It’s the kind of spice that makes your forehead sweat, but your spoon keep moving.
The noodles are medium-thick and chewy, with just enough firmness to soak up the spicy broth without getting overwhelmed.
The generous helping of bean sprouts adds a crisp texture to contrast the chewy noodles and tender meat.
We also highly recommend ordering a side of white rice and pouring some of the spicy broth over it—it becomes an addictive combo of spice and starch.
🍜 For the Miso Lovers: Miso Butter Ramen
If you’re not ready for a full spice challenge, the Miso Butter Ramen is another popular choice. The creamy miso broth is topped with a thick pat of butter and sweet corn, offering a completely different flavor experience.
The butter melts into the soup, softening the miso and giving it a rich, mellow finish.
The noodles in this bowl are also chewy, with a smooth mouthfeel that holds up well in the rich broth.
The char siu pork slices are melt-in-your-mouth soft, subtly sweet, and full of umami.
🍚 Don’t Miss the Fried Rice
We couldn’t leave without trying the fried rice, and it was well worth it.
Lightly seasoned but full of flavor, this dish complements the bold ramen perfectly.
It’s a classic-style fried rice with egg, green onions, and minced pork—a great way to balance out the spice from the ramen.
🏠 Shop Exterior and Access
Dragon Ramen is located about 10 minutes from Tehara Station (JR Kusatsu Line). The shop has a bright red sign with a dragon emblem, and a few parking spots in front.
📍 Shop Info
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Name: Dragon Ramen (ドラゴンラーメン 栗東店)
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Location: 〒520-3047 滋賀県栗東市手原3丁目2-17
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Access: 10 min walk from JR Tehara Station
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Hours:
Lunch 11:00–14:00
Dinner 17:30–22:00 -
Closed: Thursdays
📝 Final Thoughts
Dragon Ramen isn’t just another local noodle shop—it’s a full-body experience for spice lovers and comfort food seekers alike. From the explosive Dragon Ramen to the mellow miso-butter bowl, this shop knows how to satisfy both thrill-seekers and traditionalists.
When you’re in Shiga, don’t miss the chance to challenge your palate—and maybe even break a sweat while you’re at it.
