Recently, after drinking in Umeda, Osaka, I was looking for something to finish off the night.
In my home city of Fukuoka, I naturally eat tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, but that’s not feasible in Osaka… While searching, I discovered a shop called Yosuko Ramen.
Upon investigation, it turned out to be a popular spot known among Osaka locals, serving crystal-clear salt broth ramen—something rarely (if ever) found in Fukuoka or elsewhere.
So off I went!
Yosuko Ramen Meimei is Within Walking Distance of Umeda
Yosuko Ramen Meimei was located very close to my accommodation.
Located in Nakazaki-cho, it’s walkable from Osaka Station and Umeda in about 10 minutes.
Yosuko refers to the Yangtze River, China’s major waterway, though why the shop has this name remains unclear.
Perhaps it was opened by someone from China.
Quite a charming exterior. Let’s go in!
The menu looks like a typical Chinese restaurant with an emphasis on noodles.
I forgot to photograph the interior, but it was a small shop with a wooden counter and a few tables.
The staff appeared to be from China.
I ordered Set A for ¥700! (Price as of 2013)
Ramen with braised pork belly and rice at this price is quite reasonable.
Crystal-Clear Salt Broth – Refreshingly Delicious
First to arrive was the braised pork belly and rice.
Sweet-savory sauce-marinated pork is delicious. Works perfectly with both rice and as a beer snack.
And here’s the ramen!
The broth is so transparent you’d think it was just hot water. I braced myself for extremely mild flavor, but surprisingly, the salt and dashi broth are robustly flavorful and delicious. Perfect for finishing a meal.
The noodles are thin and straightforward—neither particularly distinctive nor flawed.
Crispy vegetables!
Adding the fried scallions from the table condiments…
The salt broth gains aromatic depth, adding another dimension of flavor.
Maybe add halfway through eating for the best effect.
Pepper too.
Yosuko Ramen – Simple Yet Profoundly Flavorful
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be surprisingly high quality with great value.
It works for regular meals or as a late-night drinking finish. (I personally quite enjoyed the flavor!)
If you visit Osaka, definitely stop by!
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