Hello! I’m SacChi, a blogger hunting down Kochi’s hidden culinary gems.
Tucked quietly in Asakura, Kochi City, sits Ramen no Hourensou (ラーメンのほうれんそう / “Spinach Ramen”). This nostalgic spot always has a line on Saturday afternoons—a testament to its local following.
日本語の記事はコチラ👉【高知市・朝倉】行列必至！地元民が通う「ほうれんそう」の油そば＆激辛ホルモンラーメン | 診断士SacChiの恋する高知LIFE
Run by a husband-and-wife team, this beloved neighborhood institution has charm that extends far beyond “just ramen.”
Today I’m featuring two must-try dishes: the cult-favorite Abura Soba (油そば / oil noodles) and the sweat-inducing Gekikara Hormone Ramen (激辛ホルモンラーメン / ultra-spicy offal ramen).
🍜 First Up: Abura Soba | No Broth, All Flavor Intensity
I’ve introduced abura soba several times before because SacChi is obsessed with tsukemen and abura soba.
But Hourensou’s version? Unlike anything else I’ve encountered.
What you get:
- Ground meat
- Generous 1.5 servings of noodles
- Mountain of green onions
Why it works:
The chewy medium-thick noodles coat perfectly in signature sauce and aromatic oil. The moment you take a bite, umami floods your mouth. There’s a subtle tanginess that keeps it refreshing.
Without broth, the unity between noodles and sauce becomes the star. You’ll finish every strand without flavor fatigue.
🌶 Another Day, Another Challenge: Gekikara Hormone Ramen = Heat Meets Umami
Days later, my spicy-food-loving blood demanded action, so I tackled the Gekikara Hormone Ramen.
Visual impact: Crimson-red soup, topped generously with plump hormone (offal/intestine).
One spoonful and chili heat HITS you… but wait, there’s more.
The fatty sweetness of hormone wraps around the spice, creating an addictive balance that intensifies with every bite.
I was sweating, but my chopsticks never stopped. The umami hidden within the fire completely knocked me out.
Confession: I usually avoid hormone due to texture/smell issues, but Hourensou’s is meticulously prepared with zero gamey odor. Game-changer.
🏠 Restaurant Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ramen no Hourensou (ラーメンのほうれんそう) |
| Address | 2129-7 Asakura-hei, Kochi City, Kochi Prefectur |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:30 PM) |
| Closed | Monday & Tuesday |
| Parking | 8 spaces (east side), 2 spaces (west side) Be mindful of traffic flow |
| Payment | Cash only (¥10,000 bills NOT accepted) |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNZbEaER66nCGyt8A |
✨ Summary | Hourensou’s Power Exceeds the “Ramen” Label
Hourensou isn’t just about classic miso/salt/shoyu ramen. Their personality-driven menu—abura soba, gekikara hormone—proves they’re playing a different game.
Because the husband-wife team handles everything, turnover is relaxed. But that’s the point: these bowls require time and care.
Come with patience. Leave with satisfaction.
Next visit, discover YOUR signature bowl 🍜
Why I share these spots: As a business consultant who moved to Kochi, I see small family operations like Hourensou as economic resilience models—no fancy branding, just consistent quality that builds word-of-mouth infrastructure. The Saturday lunch line isn’t marketing; it’s trust compounding over years. Every bowl reinforces community fabric. That’s the local economy working beautifully. 🍜
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