Menya GaGa: Fukuoka’s Best Ichiran-Style Ramen with Exceptional Gyoza in Tenjin

Ichiran is a ramen chain that originated in Fukuoka and has expanded nationwide.

Originally founded as “Futaba Ramen” in Fukuoka City, it relocated to Ogori City and was renamed “Ichiran.”

When the founder and first-generation owner, Mr. Sadayuki Nakahara, considered retiring due to age, the current Ichiran president, Mr. Yoshitomi, inherited the brand name and continues to operate it today.

Despite being a chain store with a central kitchen system that reduces costs and offers minimal toppings, Ichiran has excelled in building a strong brand image, pricing their ramen aggressively at ¥930–¥980 (as of November 2022).

However, incidents like the overpriced cup noodle controversy and illegal employment of foreign workers have occurred, making me personally feel the business is too profit-driven.

On the other hand, the original founder, Mr. Nakahara, was involved in establishing two ramen shops after passing on the Ichiran name. One of them is “Menya GaGa,” which I visited this time (the other is “Hōrin”).

According to Menya GaGa’s website, the shop was founded by someone who directly learned the recipe from the Nakahara couple, the original founders of Ichiran.

The taste I encountered at 16 from Grandpa and Grandma
is the taste of the sun that energizes everyone
Menya GaGa

I heard that a branch of “Menya GaGa” opened near Tenjin in Fukuoka City, so I went to check it out!

(Photos by my other website ushigyu.net)

“Menya GaGa Tenjin Branch” Already a Popular Spot with Lines

“Menya GaGa Tenjin Branch” is located just off Kokutai Road, which runs east-west through Fukuoka City, in the back of this building. Enter the alley on the left side of the building in the photo below.

I first visited around 2:30 PM on a Saturday, but there were over 10 people waiting, including outside the shop, so I gave up for the time being…

Even though I came outside of peak lunch hours and it’s not tourist season, seeing a line in Fukuoka is quite rare. It shows that this place has already become quite popular. Considering it just opened on August 23, 2022, it’s impressive to see this level of popularity by early November.

The next day, I returned around 5 PM on Sunday. This time, there were only 3 or 4 people waiting inside, and I was able to enter relatively smoothly.

Looking closely at the impressive shop curtain, you can see the names of the original Ichiran founders, the Nakahara couple, written in the lower right corner.

Like the Ogori main store, the Tenjin branch also features bamboo and other Japanese elements in its interior design. Perhaps due to exposure on overseas TV, YouTube, or social media, there were two groups of foreign tourists present, even though inbound tourism hasn’t fully resumed yet.

Looking closely at the sun logo of GAGA, you can see the phrase “Mahāprajñāpāramitā” written behind it. It seems the owner has a deep appreciation for Buddhism and Japanese culture.

Interior of Menya GaGa Ogori Main Store

Ramen is Cheaper than Ichiran. Appearance is Almost Identical

The ramen is priced at ¥720. It’s not necessarily fair to compare, but it’s over ¥200 cheaper than Ichiran. Grilled gyoza can be ordered from 3 pieces, and boiled gyoza from 2 pieces, making it easy for solo diners to order.

While waiting for the ordered ramen, I read through “GaGa’s Commitment.”

The ramen arrives on a dining stand prepared in advance on the table!

The brownish soup, thin slices of chashu, green onions, and spicy sauce closely resemble Ichiran. It’s natural, given their shared roots.

Creamy, Umami-rich Soup is Delicious! Gyoza Taught by a Chinese Chef is Also a Must-Try

Taking a sip of the soup… Mmm, delicious! While it’s in the Ichiran style, it has a stronger umami and sweetness, giving a well-balanced, creamy impression.

The noodles are ultra-thin and absorb the soup beautifully.

One more thing you must try at Menya GaGa is the grilled gyoza. Taught by a professional Chinese chef, these gyoza are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and juicy inside. A perfect match with the ramen.

The boiled gyoza were also delightfully springy and flavorful.

Access and Basic Info for Menya GaGa Tenjin

Menya GaGa Tenjin is located just south of Tenjin, Fukuoka’s busiest downtown district. Technically, it’s in the Imaizumi neighborhood of Chuo Ward.

It’s about a 7-minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Subway Station, and 6 minutes from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

You can also access it easily by bus from Kokutai Road. Taking a Nishitetsu bus to “Imaizumi 1-chome” is likely the simplest route via public transit.

Basic Info: Menya GaGa Tenjin

Final Thoughts on Menya GaGa Tenjin

Menya GaGa offers ramen that could be considered the pinnacle of the Ichiran-style. And the gyoza is just as impressive.

The price is lower than Ichiran, and you can only find it in Fukuoka—making it a perfect recommendation for travelers visiting the area!