Where to Eat in Osaka - Kamakura Soup with Noodles (Ramen) in Dotonbori

On our first night in Osaka, we ventured forth to Dotonbori, one of the most popular shopping, entertainment and most importantly, food areas in town. The initial plan was to have ourselves some crab goodness at the venerable Kani Doraku Honten with its imposing mechanical crab, but since it was raining our stomachs grumbled for something more ... soupy.


So after wandering around the dozens of different restaurants and stalls along the streets we settled for Kamakura soup with noodles (Ramen). I'm not sure why we chose Kamakura - maybe it was some subconscious linkage to Bleach's Karakura Town; or maybe it was just the all-glass facade being an inviting change from the other closed-off shops.


Whatever the case, we order our noodles via the 'vending machine' outside the restaurant (If you don't read Japanese it's simple - just insert money and press whichever button looks tastiest), step inside and take our seats in the two dozen (or so) seat counter.


My Medium size Cha Shu Ramen (¥900) is remarkable value for money, consisting of lots of slices of three different varieties of pork served on a generous helping of yellow ramen noodles. The soup is a clear, light-tasting lightly-shoyu'ed broth - which may not be your cup of tea if you prefer the stronger tasting varieties (like miso or tonkotsu broths).


If you prefer a less carnivorous meal, you lose a few pork slices but gain an egg with the small Cha Shu Ramen with Egg (¥850). Noodles are nicely cooked without being too soggy or too hard, although pasta lovers might prefer it a little more al dente.

Kamakura Soup with Noodles is in Dotonbori, Osaka. To get here, walk down the main 'street' with Kani Doraku on your left (see first pic) and take the second turning on your right (it should be a covered side-street). Kamakura should be a couple minutes walk on your right. At time of writing, 1000¥ = SGD 12.26. Non halal.