Ramen is often called Japan’s “national dish.”
When you go out to eat, is ramen one of your options?
If you have children, they may be even more likely to ask you to take them for ramen.
There are several ramen shops around the Bikan Historical Area.
One of the most distinctive is Tsuki no Utsuwa Tsurugata Branch.
Tsuki no Utsuwa’s chuka soba is made with great care given to its ingredients.
Its uncompromising chuka soba tastes delicious no matter how many times you have it.
It also has a certain nostalgic quality.
That’s because Tsuki no Utsuwa values the handmade feel of ramen shops of the past.
Here, we introduce Tsuki no Utsuwa, a ramen shop where you can enjoy chuka soba made with such care.
The information provided was current when this article was published in March 2022. Please note that it may differ from the current information.
Tsuki no Utsuwa is a ramen shop pursuing handmade flavor with carefully selected ingredients
Tsuki no Utsuwa is a ramen shop tucked down an alley off the shopping arcade in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
It pursues chuka soba that showcases carefully selected ingredients and the qualities unique to handmade food.
All of Tsuki no Utsuwa’s ramen is strikingly beautiful to look at.
It also lets you appreciate the deliciousness of its ingredients.
The interior and decorations are said to follow a “Japanese modern” theme.
Add some to your chuka soba to taste, and it will give it a spicy kick and change the flavor.
Tsuki no Utsuwa first opened in 2013 (Heisei 25) in Hinodecho, north of JR Kurashiki Station.
It later moved to its current location in 2018 (Heisei 30), opening as the Tsurugata Branch.
Recommended and popular menu items at Tsuki no Utsuwa
The owner of Tsuki no Utsuwa introduced some of the shop’s recommended dishes and the items popular with customers.
Information current as of March 2022 (Reiwa 4). Prices include tax.
“Onomichi Back-Fat Soba” is satisfying, with its springy pork back fat!
During our visit, we tried the Onomichi Back-Fat Soba (890 yen, tax included).
Onomichi Back-Fat Soba is the third most popular item at Tsuki no Utsuwa.
It is especially popular with male customers and ramen enthusiasts.
▼Onomichi Back-Fat Soba is chuka soba in the style of Onomichi ramen.
The naruto gave it the impression of old-fashioned chuka soba.
▼The soy sauce soup is topped with plenty of pork back fat, a hallmark of Onomichi ramen.
▼Because it is the highest grade, the back fat is different in size, flavor, and texture.
The large pieces have a wonderfully springy, chewy texture!
While much back fat is soft and melts in your mouth, Tsuki no Utsuwa’s has a satisfying meaty texture, and I found it delicious, with the sweetness and umami of pork.
▼Mixed in with the back fat were chopped onions.
I think this is quite unusual.
This was my first time trying Onomichi ramen with onions.
The crisp texture of the onions adds a nice contrast to the springy back fat.
▼The soup is quite dark in color, but it tastes light.
It has a sweet flavor and rich depth, making it hard to stop sipping.
▼The noodles are medium-thin and straight, with just the right amount of firmness.
These carefully made noodles are specially ordered from a noodle maker.
▼It comes with two large slices of chashu that look delicious.
The chashu is carefully made in-house using premium pork belly.
The lean meat is tender and flaky, while the fat is melt-in-your-mouth soft, making it a satisfying bite.
▼ A seasoned egg made with eggs from purebred domestic chickens.
The creamy yolk is rich and delicious.
▼ What stands out is the green onion, arranged in a mound.
The onion is cut in a distinctive way.
It has a stylish, decorative-cut look.
Its crisp texture is really nice.
The way the onion is cut was inspired by Hiroshima-style tsukemen.
The green onions served with the other Chinese-style noodles at Tsuki no Utsuwa are cut the same way.
I’ve lived in the Bingo region for a long time and am used to Onomichi-style ramen, but I found the Onomichi Back-Fat Soba exceptionally delicious!
The back fat and onions are fantastic too!
“Golden Soba” is the most popular ramen, showcasing the flavor of chicken oil!
“Golden Soba” (890 yen, tax included) is the most popular item at Tsuki no Utsuwa.
The key to Golden Soba is chicken oil (chiyu).
It is based on a soy sauce broth. The addition of chicken oil to the soy sauce flavor brings out the savory richness of the chicken fat, giving the broth depth and a rich taste.
In fact, Golden Soba has been a signature item since Tsuki no Utsuwa first opened.
It is the Chinese-style noodle dish most closely associated with the restaurant.
I had Golden Soba on a previous visit to Tsuki no Utsuwa.
I found its gentle, deep-flavored broth delicious, with a nostalgic quality to it.
“Shio Soba” and “Share Soba” are popular for their light flavors
“Shio Soba” (850 yen, tax included) is the second most popular item.
Enjoy the light flavor that is unique to a salt-based broth.
Its mild saltiness doesn’t sting the tongue, and the clean aftertaste makes it a broth you’ll want to drink to the last drop.
The clear, beautiful broth is also memorable.
▼ Add some of the Sichuan pepper on the table to give the flavor a sharp lift.
Another salt-based Chinese-style noodle dish is “Share Soba” (890 yen, tax included).
▼ Share Soba builds on Shio Soba, adding richness and umami.
Shio Soba and Share Soba are popular with a wide range of customers, from women to older diners.
“Gekikara Soba” is popular with women for its deliciously spicy Sichuan-style flavor
“Gekikara Soba” (980 yen, tax included) is tied with Onomichi Back-Fat Soba as the third most popular item.
Made with a soy sauce broth, it is finished Sichuan-style with chili oil and a generous amount of coarsely ground chili peppers.
There are five levels of heat to choose from: medium, hot, extra hot, super hot, and ultra hot.
While Onomichi Back-Fat Soba is mainly popular with men, Gekikara Soba is overwhelmingly popular with women!
It is also popular with visitors from overseas, including other parts of Asia, and is especially well-liked by people from Hong Kong.
“Tsukemen” is a secret menu item that must be reserved in advance
Tsuki no Utsuwa also serves tsukemen.
Tsukemen is a summer-only secret menu item!
It isn’t listed on the menu.
If you want to try the tsukemen, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation.
It requires preparation, so it cannot be served without a reservation.
There are two types of tsukemen: regular tsukemen and Hiroshima-style tsukemen.
Tell them which type you prefer when you make your reservation.
Regular tsukemen comes with a mildly sweet dipping sauce.
Hiroshima-style tsukemen comes with a very spicy dipping sauce.
Side Dishes at Tsuki no Utsuwa
Tsuki no Utsuwa also takes great care with its side dishes.
Here are some especially recommended items!
Information as of March 2022. Prices include tax.
The key to the “Ultimate Tamago Kake Gohan” is Momiji eggs from Kasaoka Uneme Farm!
The “Ultimate Tamago Kake Gohan” (300 yen, tax included) is the owner’s top-recommended side dish.
The eggs used for the tamago kake gohan are exclusively “Momiji eggs” from Uneme Farm in Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture.
Uneme Farm’s eggs are highly regarded in western Okayama Prefecture.
They come from purebred domestic chickens, and the yolks have a wonderfully rich flavor.
The rice is “Akitakomachi.”
The sauce for the tamago kake gohan is also specially made in-house.
Because tamago kake gohan is so simple, the ingredients matter. Be sure to try Tsuki no Utsuwa’s tamago kake gohan and savor the delicious eggs and sauce.
The eggs used in the Chinese-style noodle dishes are also Momiji eggs from Uneme Farm.
“Makanai Don” has been a popular side dish since the restaurant’s Hinodecho days
“Makanai Don” (390 yen, tax included) is the most popular side dish.
It was the most popular side dish even when the restaurant was in Hinodecho!
It consists of rice topped with a seasoned egg, menma, and narutomaki, followed by chopped chashu.
It is finished with a special sauce.
It’s a great choice when Chinese-style noodles alone aren’t quite enough.
“Yaki Gyoza” is a signature dish made with domestic ingredients
Tsuki no Utsuwa also serves the classic ramen-shop side dish, “yaki gyoza” (300 yen, tax included).
The yaki gyoza has apparently been popular since the restaurant’s Hinodecho days.
It is a signature dish alongside the Chinese-style noodles.
“Perfect Kuro Label” is served using a specially tuned beer dispenser
“Perfect Kuro Label” (500 yen, tax included) is Tsuki no Utsuwa’s signature beer.
Apparently, the beer server has been given a special tune-up just for Tsuki no Utsuwa.
That’s why the beer tastes completely different.
We’re proud of how creamy our beer foam is!
Apparently, some customers try it once and become hooked.
“Gorogoro Lemon Sour” is packed with lemon, and you can get a refill of just the drink
This lemon sour is easy to drink, with a refreshing flavor.
At Tsuki no Utsuwa, it’s called “Gorogoro Lemon Sour” (500 yen, tax included).
Gorogoro Lemon Sour is also the owner’s top pick.
▼As its name suggests, the glass was filled with lots of lemon.
You can leave the lemon in the glass and get a refill of just the alcohol!
A refill of just the alcohol for the Gorogoro Lemon Sour costs 300 yen, tax included.
Tsuki no Utsuwa Menu
Here’s a look at Tsuki no Utsuwa’s menu.
Private banquets are also available, with banquet menus
In addition to its regular menu, Tsuki no Utsuwa also offers banquet menus.
Currently suspended due to measures against COVID-19
Banquets are available for groups of eight or more, and reservations must be made by the day before.
The banquet menu changes depending on the season and ingredient availability.
If you’re interested, ask the restaurant when making your reservation.
Tsuki no Utsuwa offers appealing, carefully crafted Chinese-style noodles and a range of side dishes.
We spoke with the owner of Tsuki no Utsuwa.
Tsuki no Utsuwa Tsurugata Branch Information
| Name | Tsuki no Utsuwa Tsurugata Branch |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1-11 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-2135 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Tuesday, Thursday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 10 seats ・Tables and tatami seating available ・Number of seats can be adjusted |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Child-friendly features | Wheelchair access available |
| Accessibility | ・Children’s tableware available ・Strollers are not permitted inside |
| Website | Tsuki no Utsuwa Official Twitter |
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Pork back fat comes in different grades.
For the Onomichi Back-Fat Soba, they use the highest-grade back fat!