Have you ever has a dish set on fire right in front of you just before you eat? Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen in Kyoto is where you can have a fiery new experience and a delicious bowl of ramen at the same time.

From the moment I arrived at Menbakaichidai  Fire Ramen in Kyoto, Japan, I knew I was in for one of those travel stories you can never forget.

Seated at the little bar-style setup, the bowls of ramen are slowly placed in front of everyone. And one by one, oil is poured into each bowl, causing a fireball around 2 meters high (6 feet).

I could feel the heat, from cool and pleasant in the restaurant to a wave of intense heat that disappeared as quickly as it arrived.

While Kyoto’s Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen restaurant probably isn’t totally safe (I mean, it is fire), you’re given a protective apron from paper and clear instructions on how to not be burnt.

Don’t worry, Menbakaichidai fire ramen restaurant in Kyoto proudly proclaims “no one dead yet” on their website, in over 30 years of serving this fireball ramen in Kyoto!

Visiting Menbakaichidai definitely on my list of things to do with 2 days in Kyoto!

So sit back (literally, or you’ll be too close to the flames) and get ready for an unforgettable meal with fire in Kyoto – Menbakaichidai fire ramen!

 

How do I get to Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Resturant?

Menbaka Fire Ramen is a short walk directly north from Nijo Castle in Kyoto.

Follow Higurashi-dori Street until you hit the main street, Marutamachi-dori. Turn left and Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen will be right in front of you.

There are a couple of metro stations near Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen – but both will require a 10-15 minute walk.

Nijojo-Mae Station (Nijo-jo Castle) is directly south of Nijo Castle, on the Tozai Metro Line. If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee of 500 Yen to the castle grounds, you can follow the dry moat to the north side.

Alternatively, Nijo Station is a little more south-west of Nijo Castle, but you can walk directly north. NIJO Station is serviced by the Tozai Metro and Sanin Main Line.

 

What does a bowl of flaming ramen cost?

Menbakaichidai fire ramen in Kyoto isn’t cheap. It costs 1240 Yen currently.

If you’re not into fire ramen, or would just like to watch other guests dance with fire, there is a whole menu you can try out, for much more budget-friendly options. But if you’re even half considering it, I say try it! It’s tasty, filling and a pretty unforgettable experience!

 

Why does fire get added to this already tasty ramen in Kyoto?

Menbakaichidai opened its doors in Kyoto in 1984. Just one year later, the unique ingredient of fire was added to the ramen dish.

This added fire causes the Kyoto Kujo Leek, or green onion,  to release a different and intense flavor and smell.

The ramen itself is the traditional Shoyu (soy sauce) broth but with a unique twist on This favorite ramen of so many people.

 

What to expect from a bowl of ramen at Menbakaichidai in Kyoto?

Well, fire. As soon as that burning oil touches the broth of this famous Kyoto ramen, it ignites.

After the ball of flame shoots directly up, there are no more flames and it’s time to eat.

Menbakaichidai in Kyoto opens at 11am and while reservations aren’t required, this restaurant is popular enough to have a line as it opens some mornings.

When you get seated at the bar-style seating, your dish is being prepared before your eyes. As the staff gets set up for the show, they ask for your phones and place them on mounts behind the bar.

They are set up perfectly so you can have a movie experience from Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen of Kyoto.

After that, there’s nothing else to do but eat and enjoy the unique flavor fire brings out in this unique ramen in Kyoto.

 

Is Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen in Kyoto dangerous?

Well, a bit, it is fire after all. But the staff at Kyoto’s Menbakaichidai fire ramen go through safety with each and every restaurant guest on what is about to happen and how to be safe and enjoy your experience

First up, you’re assured this is no trick. It is real fire, and that heat you will feel is completely real.

Secondly, you’re given a protective apron. It’s a pretty basic apron made from paper. It’s to protect your clothing from hot oil being sprayed on your clothing.

Finally, you’re instructed to have your hands behind your back and to lean back away from the bowl of fire – trust me, you want to follow this instruction.

You can feel the fire well enough from leaning back.

While this may sound a little daunting, Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen proudly states they have been in business since 1984 and have been serving delicious Menbaka (Fire Ramen) shortly after.

You will not be disappointed in the experience or the taste of Menbaka Fire Ramen in Kyoto – plus safety is important to each and every staff member.

 

A video on Fire Ramen Menbaka Kyoto

Here’s a short video on fire ramen in Kyoto, from Menbaka Fire Ramen Resturant. Take a look and watch those flames. After you’ve finished, don’t forget to subscribe to the Youtube Channel for plenty more travel videos!

 

So, all up, is a bowl of ramen from Menbakaichidai in Kyoto with it?

While the flames may have died down, I still love the story (and the cheesy pictures and video below!). I’ll be honest, at 1240 Yen for a bowl of flaming ramen, it isn’t the cheapest meal I had in Japan – but where else do you get your ramen set on fire!?

This is one of the Japanese culture shocks that I never thought I’d have – I’ve never had a bowl of ramen lit in front of my face before – but it was well worth effort and price tag!

I definitely recommend Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Resturant in Kyoto as a one-off meal. The cost might prevent me from going back for seconds (the taste wouldn’t stop me going back), but a fiery experience along with a tasty meal?

If you have ever wanted your bowl of ramen ignited in front of your face, make sure Menbakaichidai restaurant is on your list of things to do in Kyoto.

 

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Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown