Tenka-ippin: The Soul Food for Many Japanese (Even if it’s a bit Salty)

Have you ever heard of Tenka-ippin?

​It’s one of Japan's most famous ramen chains, known for its ultra-thick, "Kotteri" (rich and creamy) soup.

I remember they used to have more locations overseas, but a quick search shows that currently, their only international spot is in Los Angeles.

​Their signature soup is made by slow-cooking chicken bones and dozens of different vegetables. It has been a massive favorite here for decades.

​Now, it’s definitely high in calories and sodium, so you have to be careful.

However, because the soup is so nutrient-dense, people in Japan often joke (or maybe they're serious?) that:

​"If you catch a cold, just eat Tenka-ippin and you'll get better."

"If you're feeling sick, Tenka-ippin will give you your energy back."

​Believe it or not, this famous ramen chain actually originated in Kyoto.

​When people think of Kyoto, they usually imagine light flavors and refined traditional Japanese cuisine (Washoku). But interestingly, the ramen culture in Kyoto is the complete opposite—it's famous for being incredibly rich, often topped with back fat (se-abura).

Tenka-ippin is the king of that culture.

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