Daiichiasahi is a nationwide chain of ramen shops from Kyoto. I was in the northern Kyoto region of Maizuru to visit a friend and to eat ramen, so I stopped by here on the way back.

As expected from a huge chain, they offer a wide range of ramen to suit many tastes, but they know what they are doing here. I ordered the Taro, regular size, for 830￥ ($7.50 USD) and added the Manpuku (full stomach) Set for 480￥ more.

Most items on the menu were soy sauce-based, but the Taro was different because it also has tare sauce on their chashu. While at first I thought it was a bit of a gimmick, once I bit in, I could tell they definitely simmered in the sauce as every bite had it soaked through.

The broth was medium, but still had enough pork fat for flavor… the whole portion and taste was quite good.

The added side set definitely made my stomach full with fried rice, salad, fried chicken, and extra tare chashu slices… which I gladly welcomed after tasting it in the ramen. The fried rice and karaage chicken had just the right amount of crispiness.

In addition, the staff apologized that I had to wait for my other piece of karaage, so they gave me an extra piece. That is great service!

After paying, they handed me one of those fabled “half-price” ramen coupons that apparently are quite frequently used. Even without it, I would’ve come back. But for half price??? It is most surely guaranteed!

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