Chicken Paitan Ramen – Tenten-yu

　Alongside Chin-yu, Tenten-yu Ichijō-ji honten has played a key part in the history of Ichijōji’s Ramen Street. Starting out as a street stall, it opened its doors in Ichijōji in 1976 and remains one of Kyoto’s leading Chicken Paitan (Creamy chicken broth) ramen establishments to this day.

　I moved to Kyoto 16 years ago, and the first Kyoto ramen I ever tasted was at this very shop. The thin noodles go perfectly with the broth, which is slowly simmered from chicken bones and vegetables. I was surprised by the sweetness of the chicken and struck by the realisation that this was the taste of Kyoto; now, however, my palate has become thoroughly accustomed to it. Whilst Ichijōji’s Ramen Street is often crowded with students, this place is frequented by locals of all ages and genders alike.