One of the best parts of my Japan tours is that we really do some legendary restaurants, with the phenomenon that is Ramen Hiiragi being a case in point here.
As you might have guessed they specialize in ramen dishes here, with their particular take on things making it a “must go” for locals and tourists alike. In fact, this is so true that you even have to line up to get in.
Is it though worth making an Englishman line up?
What the Ramen Hiiragi
Ramen Hiiragi started off as a small local joint in Nagasaki and quickly grew into one of the city’s most talked-about ramen spots. The menu focuses on a unique tomato-based ramen that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan, combining traditional tonkotsu broth richness with a tangy, savory tomato kick. They also serve classic tonkotsu ramen, some seasonal specials, and a handful of sides like gyoza and rice bowls.
The vibe is casual but buzzing, with the small dining room packed tight and filled with the sound of slurping noodles and clinking glasses. It’s the kind of place that feels authentic, a bit rough around the edges but all about the food. No frills, no fuss, just solid ramen and a quick turnaround.
You Line Up for Ramen Hiiragi
The lining up thing for Ramen Hiiragi is no myth, with it having a line outside every time I’ve been past. Granted this is only three times, but largely the internet also concurs with me. Actually, the line moves very quickly as this is not the kind of restaurant you spend a long time in.
It is also easier to get in if you are a small group rather than a big group of six like we were. Even with that though, we waited maybe ten minutes at most.
You Order and You Pay
Ah the Japanese and their robot and general mechanical ordering obsession! Here is no different, with you having to order and pay by machine rather than, you know, the old fashioned way to a human. This for the most part also means you will only be getting one drink, although perhaps this is also a way to keep the turnover high.
You then sit at a table or booth and your food gets delivered. Overall it is just about simple enough, but having a Japanese person certainly helps at least a bit.
Is the Food at Ramen Hiiragi Nagasaki Any Good?
Is the food at Ramen Hiiragi Nagasaki any good? The overall question of the day and this article! OK, so as ramen goes it is decent and I enjoyed the meal and my highball – to a degree. The reality was though it was ramen served by people that would rather you were not there. In fact, one of the “best” things I have read about the place is the service. I personally found them pretty rude, although in fairness no more rude than your average Japanese place.
Said again, it was indeed flavorsome, but I do not feel it hit the heady heights of either the reviews, or indeed the queues! Is it worth going? Sure, but don’t waste too long and get yourself to Tatanbaa for a good old stand-up drink in Nagasaki!
Where the Ramen Hiiragi
Ramen Hiiragi
6-8 Dozamachi Hana Building 1F
Nagasaki 850-0841
Japan
Phone 095-821-9210
Instagram: @ramen_hiiragi
Open daily from 11 am till 3 am, perfect for late night noodle cravings or a quick lunch fix.
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