Hello there! ♪
Fun fact: I actually used to work at a ramen shop before joining the team!
[SaruKuma] writer Ao here!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a place tucked away in
Tsuboi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City—
[Spicy Tsukemen “Gyorai” Tsuboi Main Shop]!

Spice lovers, get ready—this place is going to blow your mind!

The shop sits along Prefectural Route 1 near Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine.
Please note: there is no parking lot or bicycle parking on site.

(There’s even a sign asking customers NOT to park in the neighboring dry cleaner’s lot!)

If you’re coming by car or bicycle, please use one of the nearby coin-operated parking lots.

Lunch hours: 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM (Last Order)
Dinner hours: 6:30 PM – 9:45 PM (Last Order)

Takeout is also available!

Recommended Menu

The menu is divided into four main categories:
・Spicy Tsukemen from 800 yen
・Tsukemen with Curry Roux from 850 yen
・Plum Tsukemen from 850 yen
Flaming Extra-Spicy Tsukemen from 1,000 yen

As you can guess from the word “spicy” right in the shop’s branding,
most menu items pack heat,
but the Curry Roux Tsukemen and Plum Tsukemen are not spicy at all—
perfect for kids too!
(The Plum Tsukemen is even known as the “Gyorai-style Diet Menu”—
a great option if you’re watching what you eat!)

Orders are placed using a ticket-vending machine—a common system at Japanese ramen shops!

This time, I went with the most basic option:
the “Gyorai Tsukemen (with seasoned egg)” and a side of rice!
It had been a while since my last visit, so I was super excited (haha)!

I’ve been to Gyorai many times,
and there’s one sign on the wall I always end up reading while I wait:

“To Our Female Customers:
Our tsukemen tastes even better when you slurp it loudly—zuzuzu!
Please slurp at least 10 noodles in one bite
and splatter them onto the person sitting next to you.
(A fine may apply to those who can’t manage this.)
*However, couples who have been dating
for less than one year are exempt.”

Lines like
“splatter them onto the person next to you” and
“couples are exempt“
crack me up every single time (lol)!

Also, although it’s cut off in the photo,
the sign on the left explains that
during busy times, the shop runs a 10-person rotation system.

The day I visited, the shop was packed with people waiting in line.

As you can see,
everyone was lined up patiently waiting their turn (haha)!

The interior is counter-seating only—classic ramen shop vibes!

And finally, the moment of truth—the tsukemen arrives…

TA-DAA!!!

The noodles are thick, cold, and beautifully firm with a great chew!
And the soup—oh, the soup—
BRIGHT RED!!!
Like, blazing red!
Wait, is this the gateway to hell?!
You can’t help but think it,
but you take a deep breath and dive in (haha)!

Inside the soup, you’ll find
chashu pork, bamboo shoots (menma), green onions,
fish powder, chili peppers, nori seaweed, and more!

This tsukemen is
an absolute paradise for fish-powder lovers.
It’s seriously spicy,
but packed with such deep, rich umami flavor
that the combination is just heavenly.

Honestly, even though the spice might affect you the next day,
you’ll still find yourself wanting to come back (haha)!

No matter how cold the weather is outside,
this spice level will have you breaking into a sweat.
If you can handle moderately spicy food, you should be fine!

After loudly slurping (zuzuzu!) my way through the noodles,
it’s time for the rice!

Yes, the rice has finally arrived—
carbs piled on top of more carbs.
It’s a full-blown carb festival!
As someone who loves both noodles and rice, this is pure bliss!!!

“Wait, isn’t pouring soup over rice a bit rude?”
You might be thinking that, but…

On the left side of the photo,
the shop itself recommends ending your meal with a soup-rice porridge (zosui)!

It’s okay—
the world of Gyorai
grants us permission!

So I went for it
and poured the soup right over the rice.
VERY UMA-BAH (super delicious)!!!

Unbelievable. The follow-up rice is unbeatable.
In the animal kingdom, this is gorilla-tier strength!
Total victory.

To finish, order the “warispoon” (broth-thinning soup) and drink the rest down.
That’s how you complete the experience—every drop, every bite!

The “Gyorai” we covered today actually has multiple locations.

Besides the Tsuboi shop featured in this article, “Tsukemen Gyorai” also has a Hikari-no-Mori shop!

And on the Higashi Bypass, there’s “Mendokoro Gyorai,” which serves rich, spicy soba.

There’s also a “Gyorai” in Ansei-machi behind Tsuruya Department Store, serving traditional ramen.

Be sure to check out the location nearest to you!

One personal note:
I’ve also been to the Ansei-machi Gyorai,
and I felt the spice level there is a bit milder than the Tsuboi main shop’s tsukemen!
*This is just my personal opinion
(it’s still genuinely spicy though, haha—
just a heads up!)

Follow us on Instagram—we update daily!
SaruKuma shares lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and more for families raising kids in Kumamoto.
Thanks for following along! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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