01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Steam lifting from a piping-hot bowl and slender noodles delivered moments after ordering set a brisk, satisfying tone at the counter. Located in Kasuga, Bunkyo Ward, Tsuru provides an effortless stop for genuine Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen prepared with precision.
The flagship Hakata ramen centers on a broth that dials back the heavier grease and barnyard notes often associated with tonkotsu, letting dashi savoriness and balanced saltiness lead the profile. Firm, straight, ultra-thin noodles slip through smoothly, and adding counter staples like beni shoga pickled ginger or spicy pickled mustard greens introduces bursts of heat and crisp acidity. For those with a healthy appetite, the shop provides standard noodle refills (kaedama) alongside a half-refill option for anyone wanting just a few extra bites.
The menu branches out with variations incorporating spicy miso, black garlic oil, yuzu, and rock seaweed, as well as a deluxe bowl loaded with a seasoned egg, chashu pork, green onions, and wood ear mushrooms. Side dishes—such as rice topped with spicy pollack roe or braised pork, bite-sized Hakata fried dumplings, and fried chicken—round out the meal and add plenty of ways to tailor each visit.
Whether dropping in for a swift midday lunch, an evening bite after work, or a late-night bowl, diners can count on an inviting counter and a quick, steaming serving of ramen.
