Just an 8-minute walk from JR Mikumo Station lies a rising ramen star in Shiga Prefecture: “Menya Soraton.” This sister restaurant of the well-known “Menya Soradori” opened in 2020, serving up a specialized foamy tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen that has since drawn a loyal local following.
🍜 Featured Order #1: Soraton Tonkotsu Ramen
We begin with their signature dish, the Soraton Tonkotsu Ramen. The first thing you notice is the frothy, creamy soup surface. While it resembles the modern “espuma-style” tonkotsu, beneath the bubbles lies a broth with bold, deep pork flavors.
With one sip, you get a harmonious balance of mellow sweetness and rich umami. Surprisingly smooth and free of porky odor, it’s easy to understand why this appeals to both men and women.
The ultra-thin straight noodles complement the broth perfectly, and the toppings—chashu pork, kikurage mushrooms, and scallions—are all classically executed with finesse.
🍜 Featured Order #2: Black Shoyu Ramen
Next up is the visually striking Black Shoyu Ramen. Despite its jet-black appearance reminiscent of “Toyama Black,” the flavor is far more approachable.
Balanced Complexity with Roasted Aroma
The soup delivers a delightful roasted soy sauce aroma, blending perfectly with animal-based stock. It’s rich, yet balanced with sweetness and depth—easy to enjoy even for first-timers of “black” ramen.
Great Pairing of Noodles and Chashu
The noodles are again thin, binding well to the broth. The chashu is thicker than the tonkotsu version, tender and juicy—offering an entirely different yet equally compelling taste.
🍽 Side Menu: Sauced Pork Tenderloin Cutlet (Tare Hirekatsu)
This side dish arrived as part of a set: a deep-fried pork fillet drenched in a savory-sweet sauce.
Despite the juicy sauce, the coating remained crispy. It wasn’t greasy and paired exceptionally well with plain rice—flavorful enough to stand as a main dish.
And if you happen to have rice on the side, placing this cutlet on top makes for a satisfying, makeshift hirekatsu-don!
🏠 Store Info
- Name: Menya Soraton
- Address: 151-1 Mikumo, Konan City, Shiga Prefecture
- Nearest Station: JR Mikumo Station (Approx. 8 min walk)
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 22:00 (until 23:30 on Fridays & Saturdays)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Payment: Cash / PayPay
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📄 Final Thoughts
From the velvety tonkotsu to the aromatic shoyu and satisfying hirekatsu, Soraton delivers on all fronts. More than just another espuma ramen spot, it’s carving a name for itself in Shiga’s ever-expanding ramen scene. If you’re ever near Mikumo Station, Soraton is a must-visit stop on your noodle journey!
