Hello, travelers!
This is Gussan, a writer for Sarukuma!

Today, I’m excited to introduce
Kamishima, Kashima Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture‘s very own
[Marugen Ramen Aeon Mall Kumamoto-mae].
I’ve been curious about this spot ever since I spotted the signboard during its pre-opening preparations!
It’s located right across from Aeon Mall Kumamoto,
in the same area as “Gyomu Super” and “Desaki,”
so it’s super easy to find.
The bold “Marugen Ramen” sign stands out, making the restaurant easy to spot.
The parking lot is wide and easy to use!
I visited during weekday lunch hours, and it was nearly full.
Here’s the entrance to Marugen Ramen.
A friendly staff member kindly opened the door for us!
Chairs are lined up outside the entrance so guests can sit comfortably while waiting to be seated.

Inside, the restaurant was bustling with office workers and families!
There are comfy sofa-style seats,
counter seats,
and even traditional Japanese tatami zashiki seating — a great variety of options!
The flavor-changing condiments on the tables come in matching, stylish containers!
And here’s a fun detail — it’s not ichimi (one-spice) or shichimi (seven-spice), but hachimi (eight-spice)! That little touch shows their attention to detail.
Marugen Shoten Doro-Dare Chili Oil and
Nozawana Sauce (pickled mustard greens with soy) are Marugen Ramen’s signature tabletop condiments!
As a mom writer for Sarukuma, I got really excited about Marugen Ramen’s kids’ menu!

A kids’ ramen for just 190 yen — with a free toy!!
A soft-serve ice cream dessert for only 98 yen!!
Everything is so reasonably priced!

And here’s something I love — they even include edamame (boiled soybeans) on the kids’ menu!
When you’re eating out and worried your kids aren’t getting enough veggies, having edamame on the menu is a lifesaver.
“Yes! Veggies, veggies — that counts!” — moms everywhere can relate, right? (lol)
And here — this is a must-see!
Baby food at a ramen shop!
And it’s only 180 yen!!

They also offer hot water for baby formula, and they have scissors for cutting noodles — truly thoughtful service for families!

Even before tasting the food, I was already a huge fan of Marugen Ramen \(^o^)/ lol

The back of the kids’ menu has a spot-the-difference puzzle!
So parents and kids can have fun playing together while waiting for the food. ♫
*By the way, I could only find 3 differences and I’m still bothered by it…

Recommended Menu

Here’s the weekday lunch menu.
Lunch is available until 5:00 PM, and
extra noodles (kaedama) are just 98 yen — even cheaper than usual! ♫

Fried Rice Lunch — 890 yen
Marugen Gyoza Lunch — 790 yen
Tasty Karaage (Fried Chicken) Lunch — 790 yen
Fried Rice & Gyoza Lunch — 980 yen
Gyoza & Karaage Lunch — 930 yen
By the way, at Marugen Ramen, you can swap to low-carb noodles (50% less carbs) for just 80 yen extra!Here’s the regular menu.
The Champon (mixed noodle soup) at 680 yen looks tempting too…
Side menu:
Marugen Gyoza (6 pieces) — 290 yen
Iron-Pan Egg Fried Rice (small) — 290 yen
Hand-Made Karaage — from 290 yen — they all look so delicious!
Seasonal items include Morioka Cold Noodles — 730 yen and Japanese-style Cold Zaru Noodles with Plenty of Toppings — 750 yen!
On the back of the menu, you’ll find the secret to enjoying their signature aged soy sauce niku-soba (meat ramen), so give it a read while you wait!
And here it comes — the Aged Soy Sauce Niku-Soba — 650 yen!Wow! It’s my first time having ramen topped with yuzu kosho oroshi (citrus pepper grated daikon)!
Maybe it’s the onions in there… The soy-based broth has the perfect blend of umami and sweetness — it’s seriously delicious!!
The noodles are straight-cut and wonderfully chewy. ♫
The yuzu kosho oroshi adds a great accent. Even with plenty of meat, the dish stays light and refreshing thanks to that citrus zing.
Marugen Gyoza (6 pieces) — 290 yen
These were absolutely tasty too!
We enjoyed them with a touch of doro-dare chili oil!
This is the Iron-Pan Egg Fried Rice from the Fried Rice Lunch — 890 yen.
During lunch hours, you can upsize for free — so of course I went for the bigger portion!!
The staff cracks the egg right in front of you on the iron pan! ♫
Mmm — just looking at the photo makes me hungry again!
You can also try mixing in some doro-dare chili oil for a fun flavor change!
The gyoza and karaage are also available for takeout!
With its baby-friendly atmosphere, Marugen Ramen Aeon Mall Kumamoto is highly recommended for travelers visiting Kumamoto with children! (^o^)

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.