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Men Leads Nakano

The Unofficial Champion of Tori Paitan Ramen

Quick Look

Food

Indoor

About

Men Leads Nakano is a popular ramen specialty shop tucked away in Tenri, Nara. A favorite among Tenri University students and local residents, it’s the perfect spot for those seeking authentic Japanese ramen in a cozy setting. It's my favourite Ramen that i've ever had, by far.

Must Do's

Get a bowl of Toripaitan Ramen

Key Info

cost

accessibility

uniqueness

*Learn more about my Key Information methadology here.

Cost

Due to its location, Men Leads Nakano offers a budget-friendly dining experience compared to ramen shops in larger cities. Prices are reasonable (~1000 yen), making it an excellent choice for students and travelers looking for an affordable yet high-quality meal.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, Men Leads Nakano is not easily accessible, as it is located far from both the city center and it's nearest train station. The recommended route is to get off at Kyobate Station, which is approximately 920 meters from the shop.

Uniqueness

Men Leads Nakano is a typical ramen restaurant, offering a menu similar to other Toripaitan ramen spots. As a result, I can't say they stand out as a very unique ramen spot. However, they stand out as one of the best, if not the best, at what they do; making Toripaitan ramen.

My Experience

Men Leads Nakano was a wonderful and unexpected surprise! As part of my Nara road trip, I had originally stopped by on my way to visit my friend's university, but it ended up being the highlight of my time in Nara. In literal terms, Toripaitan (鶏白湯) is a soup base made from chicken bones (鶏 means chicken) boiled at high heat, which gives it a rich, white, and creamy texture (白湯 means white soup). Men Leads Nakano offer two variations of Toripaitan: soy sauce and salt. I opted for the soy sauce version, and it was amazing! The broth has just the right amount of creaminess, rich but not too heavy, and it pairs perfectly with the noodles. Note that both the soy sauce and salt versions also come as a "specialty" bowl, which includes a runny egg yolk that many people love. If you're crazy about ramen and willing to travel for an unforgettable bowl, be sure to check it out!