Ramen in Omiya, Saitama: 5 Shops You Need to Try
- Frank
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re searching for ramen in Omiya, Saitama, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety. Omiya is more than a transport hub - it’s a ramen hub too. Here are five standout ramen shops that showcase the district’s range, from hearty tsukemen to delicate shoyu.
1. Noroshi – Bold Tsukemen That Sticks with You
Noroshi (狼煙) is a typical rich tsukemen spot that reminds a bit of Rokurinsha and other famous tsukemen specialists in Tokyo. The soup is thick and heavy with strong fish flavors - niboshi (dried sardines) and katsuobushi (bonito).
There’s more sweetness and richness than sourness or saltiness, but it’s well-balanced. The chicken and pork in the soup harmonize with the fish flavors.
The noodles, made from Hokkaido wheat, are glossy and springy - the perfect mop for the rich dipping soup. If you like tsukemen, this one will stick with you.
2. Nakamura – Hand‑Pressed Noodles
Nakamura (手揉み中華そば 中村) is a modern shoyu ramen shop done right. The broth is chicken-forward with a strong shoyu seasoning. It's bold and satisfying.
If you order the tokusei (all toppings), you’ll be treated to a variety of chashu cuts, each bringing a little something different to the table. But the real star here is the noodles. They’re firm and hand-pressed but not overly thick, making them a great match for the strong, shoyu-forward broth.
Service is excellent too: you line up, the staff come out and ask you to buy your ticket and everything runs smoothly from there.
3. Nibomaru – Cement‑Style Niboshi
Nibomaru (煮干し中華そば専門 煮干丸) is all about niboshi. Their “noukou” (rich) ramen is a classic cement-style niboshi bowl. The soup is thick, bitter, and unmistakably niboshi.
Thin noodles and plenty of negi (green onion) plus white onion help cut through the intensity. If you’re after something milder, they also offer a toned-down niboshi ramen with a lighter soup.
But if you’re a casual - or hardcore - niboshi fan, this place is for you.
4. Shokudo Tamari – Chuukasoba Comfort
Tamari (食堂 多万里) takes you straight back to classic Tokyo-style chuukasoba. They’ve impressively been around since 1946. Go for the dumpling (wonton) ramen. It’s loaded with silky wontons.
The soup is super light and clear, with gentle shoyu seasoning and just a whisper of chicken richness. Absolutely no fishiness here. The noodles are thinner and a little frizzier than your typical Tokyo chuukasoba.
Classic to the core - and exactly what you’d hope for from a long-standing neighborhood favorite just steps from Omiya Station. Map Link
5. Shigyoku – Gritty Ie-kei
Shigyoku (麺家 紫極) is the Ie-kei (Yokohama‑style) representative in Omiya. Expect a gritty pork bone broth with a noticeably “porky” aroma, but it’s not as shoyu salty or overpowering as other Iekei bowls.
This is classic Ie-kei done right. It comes with spinach, nori (seaweed) and if you order it, a ridiculous amount of Kyoto kujo negi (spring onions). You can also add garlic, tobanjan (chili paste), ginger, or extra rice at the table - the works are all available.
It’s easy to understand why this place is so popular with younger diners.
Ramen in Omiya, Saitama = Hidden Ramen Heaven
The ramen in Omiya, Saitama, is more diverse than you’d expect for a commuter hub.
Arrive early or outside peak hours for a smoother experience, as these are all popular local spots. Whether you’re passing through Omiya or making a dedicated trip, this lineup makes it worth the detour!
