Ramen Kokutei (ラーメンこく亭) in Obama, Fukui

Kokutei in Obama, Fukui, is my favorite local ramen spot, as it is fairly close to my house, cheap, and quite good. They offer the usual range of broths on their menu: soy sauce, salt, miso, or pork bone soup, coupled with their thin noodles.

You can also opt for the red versions, which just has a lot of red ichimi pepper on top for a hint of spiciness. (They may look vicious, but they are far from truly spicy.) You can customize it by adding as much negi green onion, dried garlic chips, and other condiments to suit your taste.

I usually opt for their Red Miso Chashu Ramen for 970￥ ($9 USD) and pile on the onions and garlic chips. My breath afterwards can probably ward off any vampire or knock someone dead… But when it’s so delicious going down, I don’t mind keeping people at a distance after the meal!

Most recently, I broke with my regular bowl and ordered their Gyokai Shoyu (Seafood Soy Sauce) Ramen for 900￥ which had a lighter but fishy and savory taste. I really enjoyed it much more than I was expecting to, but since I love heavier soups usually, I’ll stick with my usual.

For those extra hungry, you can order a kaedama extra side of noodles or a larger size for 100￥ more. Their karaage fried chicken is also deliciously crunchy and crispy. If you are going to stop by this restaurant, drop me a line!

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E.Y.’s American Restaurant / Hamburger Land (アメリカンレストラン イーワイズ) in Fukui City, Fukui

Every couple months I visit Fukui City, a few of my friends always want to visit E.Y.'s American Restaurant (ie. "Hamburger Land") in search of a good burger. They offer up a variety of burgers and toppings, fries, burger plates, and creamy shakes. Their decor, too, is distinctly American-diner-inspired, with red and white colors, American posters, and music playing in the background.

I'm sure many of my friends will disagree with me here, but unfortunately, I'm not a particular fan of their burgers. While I feel their price point is marginally justified given the freshness and overall quality, the flavor in the meat is sorely lacking. Without the right seasonings, at least even a shot of pepper and salt, the patties do not have the right kick a really good burger joint has. Maybe its also extra char on the grill or grease on the pans, but any burger restaurant I like (fast food exempted) have that little something extra in their beef that really sets it apart.

Even after several visits here, I still mostly feel the same way. With the right toppings like this pineapple, the flavor profile of the burger does get a bit better. Though if I were to be honest, I always have a good time when I come because the company makes it worthwhile.

However, that meat is still missing that special something… sigh.

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Mensho Kaguya (麺匠かぐや) in Tsuruga, Fukui (Revisited)

I actually visited Mensho Kaguya (麺匠かぐや) in Tsuruga, Fukui, a few months ago with my friends, but it was definitely well worth another stop.

With a large menu, they had plenty of options to try outside their monthly limited specials. This time I tried their Jukusei Miso Ramen which features aged miso for a deeper and stronger taste.

It was definitely rich and had a nice, smooth, savory miso flavor in the broth. The aburi chashu was a bit fatty, but the nice, grilled pork taste was fantastic.

The noodles were nice and thin with a medium-firm texture.

The ramen was 980¥ ($9 USD) and the excellent chashu rice was worth the extra 200¥.

Definitely worth another trip!