Toritani: A Kyoto Chicken Ramen Shop That Surprised Me
- Frank
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
When it comes to Kyoto chicken ramen, I don’t always go for the classic rich paitan style the city is known for. But every now and then, I come across a bowl that completely wins me over. Toritani (麺処 鶏谷) is one of those places. In fact, it’s become one of my favorite ramen shops in Kyoto.
Toritani is located a bit out of the way—southwest of central Kyoto, near Nishioji. But it’s absolutely worth the detour. The shop also has a good amount of space inside, which is a nice change of pace from the cramped counters at many ramen shops.
From the moment you walk in, you can tell the focus is all on the food—minimalist décor, kind staff, and a kick-ass menu.
Bowl 1: Rich Chicken Ramen (Shio)
On my visit, I ordered the rich chicken ramen (paitan) with shio seasoning, and I’m so glad I did.
I was initially torn between shio and shoyu, so I asked the owner for a recommendation. Without hesitation, he suggested the shio. he was spot on. The broth was silky and smooth, packed with depth but not overly heavy. The salt seasoning really allowed the natural chicken flavors to shine.
What stood out most was how balanced and clean the bowl felt. It had the creamy mouthfeel of a typical Kyoto paitan ramen, but without the richness overwhelming your palate. Everything—noodles, toppings, broth—just clicked. This bowl fired on all cylinders.
Bowl 2: Light Shoyu Ramen
Alongside the shio, I also tried their light shoyu ramen, which offered a completely different experience.
The broth here was delicate and elegant, reminiscent of high-end Tokyo-style bowls. A clear chicken-based soup with glistening drops of chicken oil on top, it was subtle but deeply satisfying. This is the kind of bowl you savor slowly, appreciating the craftsmanship.
If the rich shio was comforting and hearty, the light shoyu was refined and delicate—a perfect counterpoint that shows off the chef’s range.
Kyoto Chicken Ramen - The Best?
If you’re in Kyoto and want to experience a top-level Kyoto chicken ramen shop, Toritani should be on your list. Whether you go for the rich shio paitan or the light shoyu, you’ll get a bowl that’s balanced and satisfying.
It’s a little outside the main tourist hubs—but sometimes, those are the places that deliver the best surprises. For me, Toritani has become a go-to spot in Kyoto.
