We were going to Osaka Castle when we decided to grab something to eat before heading into the grounds. A quick Google search led me to a nearby ramen eatery with great reviews compared to other spots in the area. I didn’t realise this place was in a food court-style setup, where multiple eateries, each offering its own limited seating area, were located.

I placed my order at a touchscreen kiosk and decided on the Premium Umami Shoyu Ramen and some gyoza. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the ramen came with a generous serving of char siu and a perfectly cooked egg at no extra charge.

As expected, my food arrived quickly. What surprised me, though, was the bowl’s size and the thickness of the pork slices. The bowl also included bean sprouts, spring onions, bamboo shoots, and ramen noodles hidden beneath it all. However, I noticed no nori, which I thought was unusual.

The first taste of the soup didn’t disappoint—it was rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, especially on a cold day. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the bean sprouts added a delightful crunch. The egg was just right, with a soft, creamy centre, and the four thick slices of char siu were both flavorful and satisfyingly chewy.

Overall, it was another excellent bowl of ramen. It seems almost impossible to go wrong with ramen in Japan. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the gyoza—they were fantastic. The chilli sauce on the side packed a surprising amount of heat, which complemented the gyoza perfectly.

This eatery was a great place to enjoy a delicious meal, and the surrounding area added to the experience. The food court was in a beautifully renovated part of Osaka, and underneath the area, there was even a running track for those who wanted to jog or walk around Osaka Castle. It is a lovely spot for both food and atmosphere!

Website: Suwaki Kouraku, Chuka-soba Osakajo

Address: 〒540-0002 大阪府大阪市中央区大阪城３−1 ＴＥＲＲＥ－ａ－Ｓ 2F 大阪城公園内 JO-TERRACE OSAKA E