This time, I tried a unique “evolved” version of abura soba—not at an abura soba specialty shop, but at a local ramen restaurant in Kochi.
Unlike the heavier, more “junk-food style” oil noodles I’ve had in the past, this bowl featured a delicate balance of white soy sauce (shiro-shoyu) and umami-rich dashi broth. Light, flavorful, and easy to finish without the guilt.
The thinly sliced char siu (braised pork) was impressive too—paper-thin yet packed with concentrated meat flavor. It’s the kind of pork that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.
🍜 Bonus: Try the Niboshi Ramen Too!
I also sampled their thick niboshi (dried sardine) shoyu ramen, served with thin noodles. The aroma of the niboshi was bold but balanced, and the chewy noodles paired beautifully with the rich, dark broth. Definitely a must-try!
They also offer daily “whimsy specials”, so check the board before ordering—you might discover something unexpected and delightful.
✅ Highlights
- Less guilty, more delicious: The mellow flavor of the white soy sauce and dashi gives the abura soba a lighter, cleaner finish.
- Excellent char siu: Even with ultra-thin slices, the pork delivers serious flavor and satisfaction.
- Specials worth exploring: Keep an eye out for limited-time and creative daily specials.
- Cozy atmosphere: With only 7 counter seats and 4 seats facing the wall, the space feels intimate and lets you focus on your noodles.
- Single-chef operation: The owner runs everything solo with great care. If it’s busy, you may need to wait a bit—but it’s worth it.
📍 Shop Info
Name: Ramen-ya Warashibe (ラーメン屋 藁しべ)
Address: 2-19-20 Shin-honmachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
(Just a short walk from Shin-ki tram stop)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Closed: Open daily (no regular holidays)
Seating: 7 counter seats + 4 wall-facing seats (11 total)
Parking: 3 spaces available on the east side of the building
📍 Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cXs4V9H4KhMbMZkcA
📝 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a refined abura soba made with white soy sauce and dashi, this is the place.
The niboshi shoyu ramen also shines with its bold broth and thin noodles.
With a compact interior, a solo chef’s attentive care, and limited-time specials, this ramen shop is a hidden gem you’ll want to revisit.
Whether you’re a local or traveling through Kochi, be sure to include this spot in your gourmet journey—especially if you’re seeking a lighter take on oil noodles or authentic niboshi-based ramen.
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