Have you heard of “Omi Tsukemen Kinari,” a hidden gem in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture? Known for its rich seafood-based dipping sauce and chewy thick noodles, this popular spot delivers a tsukemen experience that leaves a lasting impression. Here’s a detailed report from our recent visit.
Location & Exterior
A Hidden Gem in a Quiet Residential Area
Located in a residential area of Moriyama City, “Kinari” has a calm and natural exterior with woodgrain design and a welcoming noren curtain bearing the shop name. There is a parking lot, so it’s easily accessible by car.
Ticket Machine & Menu
Their Signature Dish: Special Seafood Tsukemen
Upon entering, you’ll find a ticket machine where you select and purchase your meal ticket. The main highlight is their seafood tsukemen, with the “Special Seafood Tsukemen” being the most popular. There are also ramen, side dishes, and various toppings available.
Interior Atmosphere
Walls Adorned with Celebrity Autographs
The interior features warm wooden tones and a relaxed atmosphere, with many autographed boards from famous visitors decorating the walls. The counter-style seating also makes it easy for solo diners to feel welcome.
Our Order: Special Seafood Tsukemen + Grilled Chashu Mayo Bowl
Breaking Down the Tsukemen Experience
Noodles that Stand Out
The noodles are thick and springy, with a rich wheat aroma. They are chilled in cold water, giving them excellent texture and bounce, and pair perfectly with the dipping sauce.
Deeply Flavorful Seafood Broth
The broth is a rich soup made from dried bonito and other seafood, with a meaty base for added depth. The fish powder on the surface adds an extra punch, stimulating your appetite from the first sip.
Enjoyable Flavor Twists with Condiments
Two condiments are available: salt and chopped green onions. The salt adds a sharp contrast while the green onions bring refreshing notes to the rich soup.
Highlighting the Toppings
The tsukemen features two types of chashu: thinly sliced large red-meat chashu and thick cubed chashu. The thin slices offer light flavor with visual appeal, while the cubed pieces melt beautifully when dipped in the soup.
The seasoned soft-boiled egg is also perfectly done, with a melty yolk and subtle saltiness that enhances the soup’s flavor.
Finish with Broth-Watering Soup
To finish, add the hot broth provided in a thermos to your leftover soup and enjoy it as a warm drink. A perfect ending to a deeply satisfying meal.
Don’t Miss the Grilled Chashu Mayo Bowl
Rich, Savory, and Satisfying
The grilled chashu mayo bowl is packed with chunks of charred pork. Simply seasoned with salt, it brings out the full meat flavor. The addition of mayo adds a rich, slightly guilty pleasure that’s impossible to resist.
Overall Verdict: Classic Tsukemen Done Right
If you’re looking for top-tier tsukemen in the Moriyama area, “Omi Tsukemen Kinari” should be at the top of your list. With its high-quality noodles, deeply flavored soup, satisfying sides, and comfortable setting, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Shop Information
Name: Ōmi Tsukemen Kinari
Address: 6-8-14-1 Moriyama, Moriyama City, Shiga 524-0022
Business Hours:
Open every day from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
(No regular holidays)
Enjoy your tsukemen adventure in the heart of Shiga!
