When asked, "What is your favorite ramen in Kurashiki City?" have you ever heard the answer "Bettokon Ramen"?
Bettokon Ramen is a stamina ramen packed with vegetables like bean sprouts, whole fried garlic cloves, and a moderately spicy flavor.
The place serving such Bettokon Ramen is "Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo" located in Obitaka, Kurashiki City.
It is a popular shop that attracts many people of all ages from both inside and outside the prefecture.
However, in 2020 (Reiwa 2), a fire occurred, rendering it unable to operate.
It was very shocking news, but overcoming the difficulties, Bettokon Ramen made a comeback in 2022 with a new system!
Let's explore the charm of Bettokon Ramen, which captivates many people, and the journey to its reconstruction.
What is Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo?
Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo is a long-established shop that was founded in 1983 (Showa 58) and is located in the southeastern part of Kurashiki City, in the Obitaka area.
Popular dishes include the namesake "Bettokon Ramen" and "Kokusai Musou."
Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo is so popular that many customers come not only from within the city but also from outside the prefecture.
The Bettokon Ramen and Kokusai Musou, which captivate many people, are loaded with mountains of vegetables like bean sprouts, fluffy garlic, and a slightly spicy flavor, making them stamina-packed ramen.
Additionally, the fried chicken larger than an adult male's fist also captivates many customers.
Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo, a popular long-established shop, received shocking news among fans in May 2020.
A fire occurred, and the store was completely burned down.
It became impossible to operate.
Amid such difficulties, a local company, Oyu System Co., Ltd. took over the business and decided to rebuild Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo.
Through crowdfunding and with the support of many people, the new Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo was revived and reopened in February 2022 with the cooperation of the former owner.
About 1 year and 8 months after the fire, it made a remarkable comeback.
Furthermore, in November 2022, a second branch was opened along National Route 2 in Kamogata, Asakuchi City.
The main store in Obitaka has only counter seating, but the Kamogata branch features mainly table seating and also has a small raised tatami area, making it easier for families to visit.
Menu Introduction
Information as of May 2023 (Reiwa 5). Prices include tax.
Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo uses a ticket vending machine at the entrance to purchase meal tickets in advance.
The main menu item is the "Bettokon Ramen" which shares its name with the shop.
The "Kokusai Musou" is an upgraded version of Bettokon Ramen.
The menu name gives a sense of its "ultimate" quality.
Both menu items can be customized to have "no garlic," "no spiciness," or in mini sizes (Bettokon Ramen Small, Kokusai Musou Half).
In addition to garlic and spiciness, specific ingredients can be omitted upon request (the price remains the same).
Additionally, both Bettokon and Kokusai Musou are available in a basic soy sauce flavor as well as a miso flavor.
Furthermore, both options allow for extra noodles.
Main side menu items include "Fried Chicken" and "Fried Squid Tentacles", as well as "Mini Chicken Mayo Rice Bowl" and "Rice".
Only for fried chicken, there is a smaller size called "Mini Kara", from which you can choose 1 to 3 pieces.
Bettokon, Kokusai Musou, and various fried items are available for takeout.
Additionally, frozen Bettokon Ramen is also on sale.
It can be purchased at the store or through the online shop.
Recommended and Popular Menu
Here are the recommended and popular menu items at Bettokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo.
Bettokon Ramen
The most popular dish at Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo is the "Bukkake udon" which is also featured in the restaurant's name.
Bukkake udon comes with a standard soy sauce soup (930 yen), but there is also a miso soup option (930 yen).
During the interview, I chose the classic soy sauce option.
The basic soy sauce soup is overwhelmingly more popular!
Of course, the miso option is also recommended.
The characteristics of Bukkake udon include a generous serving of stir-fried bean sprouts and garlic chives, along with a strong presence of garlic.
Additionally, it contains pork belly and a hint of chili pepper, providing a moderate spiciness.
Eating the fried garlic releases a fragrant flavor that spreads throughout the dish.
With a fluffy texture reminiscent of potatoes, it has a slightly gooey mouthfeel that is incredibly addictive.
The generous portions of bean sprouts and garlic chives provide a crunchy texture, complemented by the savory and sweet flavors, the sweetness of the pork, the aroma of garlic, and a hint of spiciness, making it very enjoyable to eat.
The garlic includes whole fried cloves and sliced and stir-fried cloves, providing two different types.
Many customers say they want to make the fried garlic at home!
The bean sprouts, garlic chives, and garlic are stir-fried with a homemade soy sauce base and chili pepper.
The crunchiness and freshness are preserved while also achieving a delightful roasted flavor through a perfect stir-frying technique!
The soup has a sweet and savory soy sauce flavor that spreads throughout the dish.
It has a light mouthfeel.
The sweetness of the vegetables, the roasted aroma, the flavor of garlic, and the spiciness of the chili pepper blend together perfectly, creating an addictive taste.
The soup base is made from chicken bones, along with pork bones, vegetables, and garlic.
The noodles are medium-thin with a gentle curl.
The noodles cling well to the soup, and their chewy texture contrasts perfectly with the crunchiness of the vegetables!
The noodles are made by Kurata Foods in Fukuyama City.
The previous owner experimented with various noodle manufacturers and ultimately settled on Kurata Foods' noodles.
By the way, the soy sauce base used for stir-frying the vegetables and the one used in the soup are both made in-house!
There are separate versions for stir-frying vegetables and for the soup.
The soy sauce base uses locally produced soy sauce!
By the way, "Betokon" is an abbreviation for "Best Condition".
Bukkake udon is packed with bean sprouts, garlic chives, garlic, and chili pepper.
It is a hearty ramen that makes you feel energized, which is the reason behind its name.
There are also options for no garlic (930 yen), no spiciness (930 yen), and no garlic or spiciness (930 yen), as well as a small size (690 yen).
If you have any requests, you can also remove or reduce other ingredients (the price remains the same), so please let us know your preferences!
The small size is recommended for those with smaller appetites, those on a diet, or children.
Bukkake udon is loaded with ingredients, but since the main component is vegetables with a savory flavor, it is easy to eat, and the soup is light, so I finished it quickly.
After eating, I felt warm and energized, as if my stamina had increased.
Kokushi Musou
"Kokushi Musou" is the second most popular menu item after Bukkake udon.
Like Bukkake udon, it is available in a standard soy sauce soup (1,100 yen) and a miso soup (1,100 yen).
During the interview, I chose the soy sauce option.
Kokushi Musou is also overwhelmingly popular in the soy sauce version!
Note that the soup flavor is the same as Bukkake udon.
Kokushi Musou is characterized by having more ingredients than Bukkake udon.
While Bukkake udon is piled high with ingredients, Kokushi Musou has a volume that can be described as mountainous!
When I ordered it for the first time, I was completely taken aback when it was served.
The way the vegetables and garlic are stir-fried, as well as the flavor, is the same as Bukkake udon.
Not only is the amount of vegetables increased compared to Bukkake udon, but the variety of vegetables included has also increased.
The ingredients in Bukkake udon include whole fried garlic cloves, sliced garlic, chili pepper, pork belly, bean sprouts, and garlic chives.
On the other hand, the ingredients in Kokushi Musou are as follows:
- Whole fried garlic cloves
- Sliced garlic
- Chili pepper
- Pork belly
- Bean sprouts
- Garlic chives
- White leeks
- Cabbage
- Chinese cabbage
- Bamboo shoots
- Hot chili pepper
The variety of vegetables is very rich, making it a healthy option!
Like Bukkake udon, these ingredients are stir-fried with a homemade soy sauce base for a savory flavor.
The roasted flavor, sweet and spicy taste, garlic aroma, and spiciness make it a dish that is hard to resist.
Furthermore, due to the abundance of vegetables like cabbage and Chinese cabbage, the sweetness of the vegetables is more pronounced compared to Bukkake udon, making it taste even better.
All of these ingredients blend perfectly with the soy sauce soup, creating an indescribably exquisite flavor!
The noodles are the same as those in Bukkake udon, featuring a gentle curl and a medium-thin texture.
While the amount of ingredients is greater than in Bukkake udon, Kokusai Musou also primarily consists of vegetables, so I surprisingly finished it quite smoothly.
Additionally, Kokusai Musou offers options such as no garlic (1,100 yen), no spiciness (1,100 yen), and no garlic or spiciness (1,100 yen), as well as a half-size with half the amount of ingredients (980 yen).
It is also possible to remove or reduce desired ingredients (the price remains the same).
Fried Chicken
Alongside Bukkake udon and Kokusai Musou, a popular signature menu item at Kurashiki Shinkyo is the Fried Chicken (950 yen).
The Fried Chicken also has a surprising visual, just like Bukkake udon and Kokusai Musou.
On the plate, there are three gigantic pieces of fried chicken served!
The impact is simply outstanding!
The chicken is cut into three pieces from the thigh.
The fried chicken served includes two pieces with bones and one boneless piece.
Each piece of fried chicken is about the size of an adult's fist.
Even one piece is enough to fill you up.
They put a lot of effort into the batter!
In particular, it is characterized by the abundant use of eggs.
As a result, the batter has a light and crispy unique flavor.
When you eat it, the batter has a crispy and light texture, and it is very fragrant.
It has a flavor reminiscent of fried rice crackers, and even the batter alone is delicious.
When you add the special spice, it becomes even tastier.
The thigh meat inside is plump and just the right amount of juicy.
If you can't finish it, you can take the leftovers home!
We will provide you with a pack and a bag, so feel free to let the staff know.
Many customers order with the intention of eating 1-2 pieces in the store and taking the rest home.
Additionally, a new item that has appeared since the store reopened is the Mini Kara, which is a mini-sized fried chicken.
You can choose from 1 to 3 pieces (1 piece 100 yen, 2 pieces 200 yen, 3 pieces 300 yen).
Takeout is also available, and for takeout, it is sold in quantities of 3 to 5 pieces (3 pieces 300 yen, 4 pieces 400 yen, 5 pieces 500 yen).
Some customers, such as those who stop by during work, have expressed that they avoid ordering fried chicken because they feel it would be a waste to leave any behind.
In response to such customer requests, we have added the Mini Kara to our lineup.
Thanks to that, the Mini Kara has been very well received!
Please note that the chicken and batter are the same as the regular fried chicken.
By the way, as a new menu item using fried chicken, there is also the Mini Tori Mayo Don (550 yen).
Squid Tentacle Fried
At Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo, in addition to fried chicken, there is also Squid Tentacle Fried (850 yen).
The Squid Tentacle Fried is also quite large.
The tentacles (squid legs) are cut into appropriate sizes and then fried.
When you think of squid tentacle fried, you might imagine long tentacles being fried whole, but at Kurashiki Shinkyo, they are cut, making them easier to eat.
The batter is the same as that of the fried chicken!
The batter is light and crispy, just like the fried chicken, and has a delicious flavor reminiscent of fried rice crackers.
The squid has a bouncy and elastic texture.
Since it is squid, it is easier to eat than fried chicken, and I was able to finish it along with the ramen.
I also tried dipping the squid tentacle fried into the ramen soup, and that was delicious as well.
Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo captivates many customers with its Bukkake udon, Kokusai Musou, and gigantic fried chicken.
I interviewed the manager, Fukuyama Takamasa.
Data on Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo
| Name | Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo |
|---|---|
| Address | 507-2 Obitaka, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-7532 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:45 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | None |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 16 seats total (Counter only) |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Stroller access available Children's utensils available |
| Barrier-free | Wheelchair accessible |
| Website | Betokon Ramen Kurashiki Shinkyo: Official Instagram |
Mini Kara and Chicken Mayo Rice Bowl were newly added to the menu after the reconstruction.
The fried portion of Mini Kara and Chicken Mayo Rice Bowl is the same as that of the fried chicken.