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After travelling through Fukuoka to try out all of Ichiran’s ramen variations, now it’s time to check out what the local competition looks like.

As one of the pioneers of Tonkotsu Ramen since 1946, Akanoren’s reputation is certainly one to live up to. But what makes their ramen so different? Is it as budget-friendly as they say? And is it worth the visit? Let’s get to it! How Good is Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen Actually?

–Menu–
–Ramen Set Meal–
–Tonkotsu Ramen–
–Tonkotsu Broth–
–Ramen Noodles–
–Chashu–
–Spring Onions & Menma–
–Chahan–
–Gyoza–
–Sauces & Toppings–
–Verdict–
–Getting There–

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📋 Menu 📋

Akanoren’s menu is surprisingly vast – both in the ramen and non-ramen departments (though you’re likely here for the ramen.)

The standard Tonkotsu Ramen starts at a very affordable price of ¥580, with the remaining menu building off that base with their various toppings, from extra chashu or wontons, to kimchi and kikurage mushrooms. (+ large portion for ¥100, or a Kaedama refill for ¥130 )

And if you ever need some non-ramen options, their Teishoku set meals feature Karaage, Horumon, Miso Pork, Mapo Tofu, Shogayaki, and more. 

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🍜 Ramen Set Meal (¥780) 🍜

Akanoren’s all-day Ramen Set Meal features a bowl of their Tonkotsu Ramen, a half-serve of Chahan, and 3 pieces of Gyoza – all for just ¥780!

Like seriously… just ¥780? Most bowls of ramen don’t even cost that little nowadays, let alone an entire set!

Individually, the Ramen, (half) Chahan, and Gyoza will cost you ¥580, ¥380, and ¥150 (¥1,110). As a set, you can get all that for a generous ¥330 discount! Think of the Chahan and Gyoza as add-ons for just +¥100 each.

Should you prefer a lighter meal, you can also get their cheaper A/B Lunch Set for ¥700 – for a choice of Ramen + (half) Cha Han, or Ramen + (small) Rice, and 3 Gyoza.

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🍜 Tonkotsu Ramen 🍜

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🍜 Tonkotsu Broth 🍜

Akanoren’s broth features a medium-strength Tonkotsu: a rich, deeply-simmered pork bone profile with some base notes of soy sauce, presented without too much of that aggressive pork bone ‘funk’ – just enough for a pleasant kick.

Compared to several other tonkotsu stores I visited, Akanoren’s tonkotsu had a distinct ‘clean’ profile to it. It’s as rich and savory as you’d expect, with all the complex flavors working together (rather than against) to create a balanced, unified profile. 

To summarize: it’s strong, it’s pronounced, yet very clean.

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🍜 Ramen Noodles 🍜

Compared to the thin, round noodles of Hakata-style ramen, Akanoren sets itself apart by featuring even thinner, flat-shaped noodles.

The added surface area allows you to soak up much more of that deep tonkotsu broth with each bite – while also being easier to slurp with!

Hakata-style Ramen is all about noodle customization, so if you prefer harder, more toothsome noodles, I recommend you ask for “Katame” for firm noodles, or “Bari-Kata” for very firm noodles.

Side Note: As the noodles here are thinner, they’ll lose their firmness a little faster than your usual bowl of Tonkotsu. If you’ll spend some time taking photos, consider asking for “Bari-Kata” to give yourself some extra time. (Or go crazy with “Hari-Gane” for extra-firm noodles)

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🍖 Chashu 🍖

Akanoren uses Pork Belly for their chashu. It’s good, with the tender meat and fat contributing even more richness to the dish. Nothing too special compared to the other elements since the chashu is lightly flavored – but always nice to have.

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🥬 Spring Onions & Menma 🥬

The thin-sliced green onions were quite plentiful, complementing the heavier tonkotsu with some added brightness and crunch.

Same story with the Menma bamboo shoots, though not as plentiful. (Menma Ramen is available if you’re a big fan.)

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🍚 Chahan/Yaki Meshi (Half Serving) 🍚

Akanoren’s fried rice is loaded with all sorts of savory mix-ins, from the classic chashu and egg, to the more uncommon additions of ham and Kamaboko fish cakes.

Flavor-wise, it’s absolutely incredible! With distinct rice grains, a complex blend of seasonings and mix-ins, and an aromatic touch of ‘Wok-Hei’ (you can hear the wok toss from the kitchen!), the end result is something that’s – to put it simply… really, really good!

It is a little light on the salt, so for a heavier profile, a little dash of soy sauce accomplishes just that.

A side item, yes, but one that rivals the main dish itself! Even if you’re not a big fan of ramen, this Chahan is a dish worth stopping by for!

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🥟 Gyoza (3pcs.) 🥟

The final item of the set is a 3-piece serving of “one-bite” gyoza. With its steamed wrappers with slightly crispy bottoms alongside a tender, flavorful filling, it’s a great side to swap to while you enjoy the rest of the set.

Not an undisputed top-tier like the ramen or chahan, but still a great side dish that I wish I got more of!

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🧂 Sauces & Toppings 🧂

The Tonkotsu is very flavorful as is, but if you need to jazz it up a bit, you’ll find a wide selection to choose from here, including: Shoyu, chili oil, garlic paste, salt, pepper, sesame, Beni-shoga, and gyoza sauce.

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⭐VERDICT⭐

So how good is Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen actually? Exceptional! And a contender for the best value-for-money spot I’ve ever visited! With a powerful-tasting Tonkotsu that doesn’t leave you feeling too heavy afterwards, plus all the other wonderfully crafted components – it’s an easy recommendation for any novice or seasoned tonkotsu expert.

And as a local favorite, especially by salarymen during their lunch breaks, it’s a great solo-dining spot!

It ain’t perfect (if I need to criticize something), as the gyoza and chashu were just simply good. But when you factor in the price, this spot easily ranks in my Top 3 for Tonkotsu Ramen in Fukuoka.

So simply put, if you’re in Fukuoka and need some top-tier ramen, Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen is the way to go!

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🚗 GETTING THERE 🚗

Located in the Tenjin area, Akanoren is only a quick walk away from both of Fukuoka’s main subway lines.

Tenjin Station (Kuko Line) – Exit 5 and a 5 minute walk.
Tenjin-Minami Station (Nanakuma Line) – Exit 2 and a 10 minute walk.

Queue times can be long during the lunch/dinner hours, so expect some wait. But my visit today was in the afternoon – so I got my seat relatively quickly. 

Ganso Akanoren Setchan Ramen (Tenjin)

🌏 Location 🌏
Japan, 〒810-0041 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Daimyo, 2 Chome-6-4 Plus Gate Tenjin 1F
🗺 Map 🗺
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NkX6iZzia4TiNKqM9
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
11 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. (Closed on Tuesdays)

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