Aladdin – A Rich Tonkotsu Miso Ramen Gem in Ichijoji, Kyoto

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A Hidden Ramen Gem Just Off the Main Street in Ichijoji

In the ramen haven of Ichijoji, Kyoto, where famous shops line the busy streets and crowds are a given, there’s a lesser-known but highly praised establishment just a few minutes off the beaten path: Aladdin.

A short 5-minute walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Railway brings you to a simple noren curtain hanging quietly in front of an unassuming building. It’s easy to miss, but for those in the know, Aladdin is a must-visit.

Rather than flashy signs or aggressive branding, what draws people in here is simple: the rich, uncompromising miso ramen that locals swear by.

Tonkotsu Miso Ramen—One Focus, All In

Aladdin’s menu is as bold as it is simple: miso ramen only. You can choose a few toppings like extra chashu or a seasoned egg, but the base is always the same. A rich, tonkotsu-based miso ramen served with care.

For this visit, I ordered the chashu miso ramen with a bowl of rice—the ultimate ramen rice combination.

The moment the bowl is placed in front of you, the aromas hit hard: roasted miso, pork bone broth, a hint of garlic. No frills, just pure ramen force.

The Broth Hits Like a Meal in Itself

Take one sip and you’ll understand why this place sticks to one ramen. The broth is thick and creamy, brimming with savory pork bone flavor and miso richness. It’s bold, layered, and packed with umami from the first spoonful.

There’s depth here—not just heaviness. You taste the careful construction: fats, ferment, and broth working in harmony. It’s not the kind of ramen you “sip.” It’s the kind you devour.

Not Greasy, Just Perfectly Rich

Despite its intensity, the broth doesn’t feel greasy or overwhelming. That’s the genius of this bowl—rich without regret. The balance of fats and umami lets the richness shine without fatigue.

The Noodles: Curly, Springy, and Perfectly Matched

Aladdin serves up medium-thick curly noodles, designed to hold onto the dense broth with every slurp. They’re chewy and satisfying, yet don’t dominate the flavor.

The moment you slurp, the miso aroma expands in your mouth, and with each bite, the wheat flavor of the noodles slowly comes forward. The texture is just right—never mushy, never too stiff.

Thick-Cut Chashu That Deserves Its Own Billing

The chashu slices here are generous, thick, and fall-apart tender. Each bite floods your mouth with the sweet fattiness of pork and the savory depth of the broth.

Whether dipped into the soup or placed atop rice, they offer a luxurious contrast to the punchy miso flavors. It’s a side character that sometimes threatens to steal the show.

The Ramen-Rice Combo You Never Knew You Needed

Then comes the real indulgence: ramen rice. Pour a little broth over the plain white rice, toss on a bit of chashu, and what you get is a mouthful of happiness.

The rice soaks up the richness of the soup without becoming soggy, creating a layered texture and taste that’s simply addictive. Few places treat ramen rice with this level of respect.

The Real Completion of the Meal

This isn’t just a bowl of ramen and a side of rice—it’s a thoughtful pairing, a two-part experience that feels complete only when you eat them together. You’re not just full—you’re fulfilled.

A Quiet Interior with a Sense of Purpose

The shop itself is small, with around 8 counter seats. The TV hums gently in the background, and the husband-and-wife team behind the counter works efficiently and silently. It’s an environment that says, “Let the ramen do the talking.”

No signs of pretension, no attempt to “go viral.” Just consistently good food, day after day.

Practical Info: Hours, Access, and Details

• Name: Aladdin

• Location: 51-2 Miyano Higashi-cho, Ichijoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

• Access: About 5-minute walk from Ichijoji Station (Eizan Railway)

• Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Closed: Tuesdays

• Payment: Cash only

• Parking: None (coin parking nearby)

Final Thoughts: The Richest Miso Ramen in Kyoto?

In a city known for its refined shoyu and chicken-based ramen, Aladdin boldly stands out with its full-bodied, tonkotsu miso broth. It’s not trendy, it’s not flashy—but it’s unforgettable.

If you’re looking to explore the deeper, heavier, and truly satisfying side of Kyoto ramen, this is one bowl you can’t skip. And don’t forget the rice—you’ll want it.