Kamigata Zanmaiya, Kyoto 02-2009

Up on the 10F of the Kyoto JR station is ramen koji - where ramen dreams come true and there's a choice of places each with their own specialty regional ramen.

It's difficult to know which one to choose and my ramen type knowledge back in 2009 wasn't all that flash. In any case each one is a pretty safe bet.

Ippudo, Kyoto 02-2009

It proved to be an unexpectedly difficult task. Walking around Kyoto looking for somewhere to eat ramen. I was certain we had walked past a heap of places just before... but now couldn't find any.

Eventually I walked into a department store food area and asked a staff member. "Ippudo" she wrote down and directed us. Little did I know how much this place would develop internationally onwards after that.

Delicious (expensive) tonkotsu, gyoza, and the tiniest bun you've ever seen.

So good, went back the next day to try some other varieties.