麺や高倉二条

Tsukemen with offal has become a Kyoto “style” of ramen in recent years.

I slurped this style years ago at Sugari, and that shop became an instant recommendation for friends who had a similar love of food as I do. What I mean is that I wouldn’t recommend soup with beef intestine to your average diner. If the idea of eating tripe appeals to you, then this was a must-hit shop. Not only was it delicious, but the shop was absolutely stunning. A tiny Kyoto machiya with a garden in the middle.

Takakura Nijo is the second shop from the people behind Sugari (or maybe the third, as there is another Sugari). They have also opened a third shop called No Name (名前のないラーメン屋) along the banks of the Kamogawa River. All of these shops are gorgeous. All of these shops serve standout motsu tsukemen.

Each shop is slightly different. Here at Takakura Nijo they have a choice of noodles. I tried their yuzu noodles. Yuzu is a perfect match for the offal and the chicken-based broth. A hint of citrus to offset the funk of the guts, though most offal in Japan of note has no funky flavors, just funky textures.