Menbaka Fire Ramen

I booked this as an experience for our wedding anniversary, primarily as it has a vegan menu alongside the usual meat menus. It was more expensive than a visit to a regular ramen restaurant, but it was worth it!! Friendly staff, a LOT of food, a free kimono style jacket, a video of the "fire"...and some origami gifts at the end! We both loved it and would highly recommend it for a special night out!!!

Visited this fascinating ramen spot in Kyoto today. We traveled almost 30 minutes to get here, and it was absolutely worth it. We were searching for vegetarian ramen options in the city, and they had a dedicated menu page for vegetarians. We tried the Fire Vegetarian Ramen and the Fire Vegetarian Gyoza, and as the name suggested, they were literally made with fire. The staff was very welcoming and enthusiastic. They were eager to take photos and videos for us, and the ramen bar even had a special setup to capture the fiery preparation process. The taste of both dishes was excellent. They also had a variety of spicy condiments you could add to your ramen to turn up the heat. They also provide everyone with paper apron so your clothes don’t get dirty while you enjoy your ramen. They have a self checkout service where you just take your bill and scan at the machine while you exit and you just have to pay the bill by your card. Quite easy and convenient. I truly loved the food, the people, the ambience, and the place itself. I can’t wait to come back again soon.

The atmosphere is unmatched here. The small space is bustling and you can feel the enthusiasm of the staff. They are very welcoming and friendly. Upon making a reservation, you get a free shirt. They also help you record and take pictures. I had their veggie course and wow it was a lot. First of all the ramen had enough green onion to last you a lifetime. The broth was very tasty. The veggie sushi was decent too, I liked that you have a lot to choose from. The soy fake meat and gyoza were a great pairing with the ramen. Overall I was very impressed! A very good way to end my last night in Kyoto.

The service and atmosphere were amazing u didn’t just get food it was an entire show. With a really nice crew that is super cheerful and accommodating. The fire erupting from the ramen bowl was truly an experience I’ve never had or seen. :)))) The options for vegetarians were also amazing. One thing I have to note was I saw a lot of people order too much food and just not finishing so please be mindful of what u order and don’t contribute to food waste. ( this is of course not the restaurants fault) ^^

Menbaka: A Must-Visit Gem in Kyoto If you're in Kyoto and on the hunt for an unforgettable culinary experience, look no further than Menbaka. This charming restaurant has left a lasting impression on me and undoubtedly deserves a place on the must-visit list for anyone in the city. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted by friendly smiles and warm hospitality. The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, but it was Yuma, in particular, who truly stood out. His enthusiasm and knowledge about the menu turned my meal into a delightful journey. Yuma's recommendations were spot on and made me appreciate the flavors of the dishes even more. Now let’s talk about the food – it was nothing short of exquisite! The ramen here is a masterpiece, perfectly crafted with rich, flavorful broth and noodles that are cooked to perfection. Each bite was a delightful explosion of taste, and I can honestly say that it is among the best ramen I have ever had in Japan. The freshness of the ingredients and the attention to detail in every bowl is evident, making it hard to resist wanting more. In conclusion, Menbaka is not just a restaurant; it's an experience that encapsulates the spirit of Kyoto’s vibrant food scene. If you’re looking for one of the best ramen spots you can find, make sure to stop by. You won’t just leave satisfied; you’ll leave with a smile, thanks to the incredible service – especially from Yuma – and the unforgettable flavors. A true gem that should not be missed!

While we were staying in Kyoto, my son insisted that we try ramen at this restaurant, saying it was a very popular spot. Since we were new to Japan, we hadn’t made a reservation, but after a short wait at the door, we were able to get in. The staff was warm and attentive. When they started using fire to sear the oil, I was worried it might affect the flavor of the dish — but it turned out to be very tasty! Later, the owner personally came around to greet each customer. He even gave us brochures with sightseeing tips for tourists, and made a beautiful origami bird for my daughter, who was scared of the fire. We truly appreciated everything. We returned to Turkey with wonderful memories. ❤️🇯🇵

The overall dining experience was satisfactory, albeit the pricing was excessive. The establishment exhibited a pronounced tourist orientation, with a predominantly Western clientele. Made reservations and they were able to accommodate us thirty minutes early. The staff was to accommodate a request for a non-fried version of the fried chicken. The fire performance was captivating but short. Upon arrival, patrons were provided with aprons, cameras were mounted for video recording of the fire act, and photos are taken of groups afterward. The Wagyu beef served was reportedly of A5 quality, as claimed by the establishment. Upon receipt of the bill, a discrepancy of 4,000 yen was observed, exceeding the amount indicated on the menu board outside. The primary difference appeared to be the substitution of small badges for kimono jackets emblazoned with the shop’s 40th-anniversary logo. There was no apparent option to decline the kimono jackets. While reservations are strongly recommended, it is advisable to exercise caution regarding the final bill. Consider skipping beverages to potentially reduce the overall expense.

We visited Menbaka in May 2025 when we visited Kyoto, Japan. We found the restaurant based on Google’s reviews. I have to say, the show made us have a great experience in this restaurant, and the food was also good. I would not say that they were the best Ramens that I have eaten, but they were good. Also, great service and very friendly. If you are planning on visiting, be sure to make a reservation, since it is very popular.

This was quite possibly the best ramen we've ever had anywhere! If you're in Kyoto, I highly recommend heading to this restaurant. It's entertainment and good food all packed into one. We had been to another restaurant in Kyoto earlier in the day, where the chef had put on a very entertaining show for us but where the food was just "meh" in the end. Not the case at Menbaka Fire Ramen. At Menbaka Fire Ramen, the chef put on a visually stunning show for us while preparing our food, plus....the food really did taste good as well! They don't call this place Menbaka Fire Ramen for nothing. The food is literally on fire and it really adds to the flavor or the ramen. The ramen took on a charred flavor unlike any other ramen we've ever had. It was sooo good! Plus, they have Vegetarian options here as well. I ordered the Vegetarian Rramen while my husband had the regular ramen and some chicken karaage. We also ordered some Vegetarian gyoza to share. Super impressed with this place. Food, service, entertainment...everything was top notch. Highly recommend this place! Oh, they are equipped with phone holders to hold people's phones for filming the action in the kitchen. This was the second time in Kyoto that we had come across a restaurant that had phone holders for filming. We were impressed with how prepared these restaurants were for having customers who like to post on social media! It's walking distance from Nijo Castle so if you're visiting Nijo Castle, Menbaka Fire Ramen would be a good place to head to afterwards for a bite to eat!

My husband was dying to try this place. After walking around for hours in the heat my son and I were not hungry but my husband still wanted to eat. So we stopped in. He ordered his ramen. I tried to order a large lemonade and large ginger ale. After the staff looked confused they had an older gentlemen come up to us and tell us "this is a ramen place please eat ramen" . I told my husband to stay and eat while my son and I found a shaded spot to wait. We would have ordered multiple drinks which would have cost the same amount as the ramen. There was only 3 other people in the restaurant. It was 2:45pm on a Wednesday; not even during busy hours. It wasn't a money thing because we would have spent the same on drinks. Not sure what kinda of policy this is for this place but it was enough for me to get on here and let all of you know. If you plan on going and not eating ramen just order it and waste it so you can stay with your family.

NO RAMEN NO LIFE!!! I had the pleasure of dining at Fire Ramen in Kyoto during my recent trip, and man, was it an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, the entire meal was filled with excitement, great flavors, and remarkable service. First of all, let's talk about the main attraction: the fire show. As soon as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a friendly staff member who explained the process and safety measures. Once seated, we eagerly awaited our ramen, and when it arrived, a curtain of flames suddenly erupted right in front of us! Watching the chef theatrically set our bowls on fire was truly a sight to behold. The flames danced and flickered, immediately igniting a sense of anticipation for what was to come. When the fire finally extinguished, we were left with piping hot bowls of ramen that looked absolutely mouth-watering. I opted for the spicy miso ramen, and it did not disappoint. The broth was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. The noodles were cooked to perfection, firm and chewy. The toppings, from tender slices of pork to the perfectly soft-boiled egg, added an extra layer of deliciousness to the dish. What sets Fire Ramen apart from other ramen places is not only the incredible showmanship but also the attention to detail and quality. The ingredients used were undoubtedly fresh, and the flavors were well-balanced. The portion sizes were generous, leaving us feeling satisfied and content. And oh, the mega mug of beer...It is HUGE! Whether you're a beer lover or not, you can't help but be impressed by the sheer size of this mug. It's perfect for sharing with friends or for indulging in a cold, refreshing beverage all to yourself. So be sure to order one alongside your fiery bowl of ramen. The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting. Despite its popularity, it didn't feel overcrowded or noisy. Make sure to bring your camera because this is one meal you'll want to capture and share with friends and family.

Cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. From service to food to experience. Its amazing! Highly recommend to check them out if you are visiting Kyoto. It was about 10mins walk from the bus stop to get to the restaurant. We got lucky and waited only about 5mins before we got seated. They offer ramen (including veg), fried chicken, rice and diff drinks. What makes this place stand out from other ramen is the fire itself! Adds a smokey flavor to the food. You are given an apron to prevent oil spilling on your clothes. The fire is ignited on your bowl, such cool experience. Chef records the experience so no customer is injured trying to record themselves with fire. Def going back on my next visit to Japan!

My first in Kyoto and I had to try this ramen spot. The menu is very simple and he offers both a vegetarian and pork menu option. Seating is quite limited so if you plan on coming by expect some wait times. The 'boss' also provides a fire show where he throws some burning oil in your food which is super cool! It is completely safe and he even gives you an apron to wear so you don't get any oil on you, and he runs you through a quick safety procedure. You may run into a longer wait time for your food aswell because when he does the fire show he does it for everyone at the same time; atleast everyone who orders within the same few minutes. I ordered the vegetable broth ramen, vegetable dumplings, and fried rice. The food was absolutely delicious and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto! Thé ambiance was great and the chef was super cool and friendly.

This is the ramen shop with the most foreign tourists. It is a shop that Japanese people do not know at all.

"NO RAMEN NO LIFE" I love the theatrics of this place. They are all about entertainment and a good meal. We came by at lunch time and happened to get a seat without waiting. They try to keep things moving along quickly, so if you do wind up waiting I wouldn't expect the wait to be too long. We came in a party of four. 2 vegans and 2 non-vegans. They first gave us bibs and advised us to put away all phones and bags and purses - we're dealing with fire ramen, of course! They took one of our phones and put it on record in a safe spot far away from the fire - they know what they're doing! The vegan and non-vegan bowls had different colors, too, which was cool to see because they poured the broth they knew which broth to pour into each bowl. When it came time to pour on the hot oil that bursts into a 6ft high flame, they give you a warning and it's such a sight to behold. The ramen was delicious and it definitely sat in my belly for a while - I immediately felt the food coma and we slowly walked a 1 hour walk back to our hotel and immediately took a nap! It was so worth it. A memorable experience and something to try at least once in your life, and the way they have it set up, you can tell it's catered to people who are tourists or celebrating something. We also decided to get the meal option that came with a side of gyoza, and that made us eligible to get little badge souvenirs we could take back with us. They let you pick from a variety of badges with different fun quotes like "NO RAMEN NO LIFE".

We must have arrived at a good time! We waited about 20min before being let in, but shortly after we saw the line grow outside (be prepared to maybe wait a little!). Once you're let in, The Boss greets you to your seat and makes you feel very welcome! He takes your phone from you to take photos and videos of your experience. He also provides is very own tour guide manual he made to complete your experience after the meal. You're going to be very full after this btw so maybe do something to walk it off. The chefs prepare the ramen in front of you, then bring the fire around to your ramen and it literally erupts into flames in front of you. Pretty cool. Taste wise, it's maybe not the most authentic or full of flavor. Everything in Japan is great, but you're there more for the show and service then anything. A little bit of a tourist spot, but worth it nonetheless.

Wow! The 'BOSS' is a bit eccentric; but in a great way. Service is second to none. We booked a room by the castle and stumbled into this place by chance, we had no idea what was coming. Really cool experience started with bar seating facing the kitchen. We enjoyed watching the chefs prepare our Ramen while sipping on ridiculously large beers. Every member of the staff checked in with us at least once. They kept insisting we hand them a phone to record a video, we were a bit confused not knowing what was coming. Shortly thereafter, they cleared all of our drinks off the bar and place steaming hot bowls of Ramen in front of us. We are instructed to lean back with hands behind the back, then the chef poured an explosive flame into our ramen bowls right in front of us, never experienced anything like this before. First taste of the ramen, you can taste a subtle toasted flavor from the fire which is not found in other ramens. Man it was delicious. A side note: I have a bad seafood allergy and don't typically eat Ramen as it always has fish sauce, fish powder or miso in it. The chef made me a vegetarian ramen that was among the best I ever had. Food great! Service better! A MUST experience should you visit Kyoto.

Subpar food but cool to experience once. The main chef was very outgoing and engaging which made the meal more enjoyable. The fire adds a smoky flavor to the ramen which is unique but other than that, very mid.

Our first day vacationing in Kyoto ! Arrived on a raining day and so happy we didn't have to wait ' The fire taken was differ yet delicious along with the gyoza , fried rice n chicken !! The owner and services was above and beyond !! A must try in Kyoto

A great location to experience fire ramen is Kyoto. I had lots of fun and had a bowl of delicious ramen, gyoza, fried rose, and 1000 ml beer. It's great to bring family and friends because they have a great show and English service. The owners make a nice ambient environment for anyone.

What an awesome experience!! Quick notes: 1. fire ramen is not spicy ramen! It just literally means that your ramen is set on fire! 2. No vegan and vegetarian options I disagreed with other yelpers about this place being a tourist trap. This place is located in the middle of nowhere... 15 minutes walk from the nearest station. The staff were attentive and friendly. We didn't have to wait at all! We didn't have to ask them to take a pic for us, they offered to record our video on the selfie sticks! Overall, the ramen wasn't the best I've had. But! It wasn't bad at all! The fried rice and fried chicken were amazing! I am mad we got the special fire ramen set that comes with a free badge but they forgot to give it to us.

This place is a major tourist trap, so let me save you a trip unless you really want to see a 5 seconds fire show. My friend and I arrived for lunch and luckily only had to wait about 5 minutes even though it was fairly empty inside. The place did get filled up by the time we finished eating though. To start off, we each ordered the Fire Ramen B Set (1800¥), which comes with the Fire Ramen, Fried Rice, and Gyoza. I also added a Matcha Draft Beer (980 ¥) that sounded very interesting. I actually enjoyed the beer with the added matcha flavor since I love everything matcha and it gave a nice refreshing taste to it. As for the food, it was all pretty standard. The ramen was simply a bowl of noodles and a lot of green onions. Take note that the fire ramen is not spicy, but instead means "real fire." Now onto the fire show that you're really here for. Once it's ready, they give you bibs and have you put all belongings, drinks, and everything under the table for protection. They will also ask for you phone to record your reaction, which is conveniently set up with phone holders all around the table (one selfie stick for each seat --it's quite amusing actually). Finally, it's time for the hot oil to be poured into your ramen, which ignites a burst of flames. They warn you not to scream, but just know that this is real fire and you will feel the heat across your face. If you really want a fire show, come here. But frankly speaking, there are too many other legit, local hole-in-the-wall ramen shops around instead. I felt like this place catered to tourists way too much, especially when they gave you a business card in the end to "spread the word."

Legit the only reason to come here is to get some cool content for your Social Media. The ramen doesn't taste good or any of the food for that matter. It's pretty expensive as far as the prices for the food. The fire show isn't worth the hype either.

Soooo good! Tho and Shota were really awesome! They were professional and helped me decide what I wanted! The fire to my face was hot, entertaining and fun! I can't wait to tell all my friends about this experience and the delicious broth! I didn't even have to wait coming in last 9 and selfie sticks are hanged so if you want they can record you while you get your ramen! How cool is that!

The best noddles I've ever had in my life! My husband and I went to Kyoto in July and I found this place on someone's blog and we decided to try it out. We were very excited about the fire show but had no idea that the whole dining experience was going to be one of the best ones we had in Japan. I was going to try to film the fire show and they actually offered to put my phone on a selfie stick to record our reaction and I thought that was awesome! You can pick what you want in your ramen but you can't remove the green onions because it's essential for the flavor. Great because for me the more the better! Yummy! Then they are going to give you a paper apron to protect you since the fire is made with hot oil that will be poured on your ramen. The ramen has a smoky taste plus the green onions taste mixed with the meat and the other stuff of your choice. It was definitely the best ramen I've ever had. The workers were very kind and nice. They were always happy to serve and explain the menu. We went there on a Friday around noon and there was another couple next to us and some other girls arrived after a few minutes. Everybody got their food pretty quick and everybody seemed happy and satisfied. One thing that also amazed us was how nice they were. My husband was talking to me about visiting a whisky place in Kyoto and said that the reservations were sold out. The manager called the place for us to ask if there were any spots available for the tour. Unfortunately it was sold out but we were happy that they even tried to help.

Free book "Hidden Gems of Kyoto" by the owner after meal! Ate near the closing time and the owner was still very friendly and energetic despite probably being tired. Great service!

Have you ever been served Ramen on fire? Prior to me coming to this restaurant neither had I and let me tell you it's an experience. I was in between a 3 and 4 star rating for this place, but ended up rounding down based on the taste. | 3.5 stars | Upon getting your meal, you actually fill out a machine outside where you get a ticket and wait outside until they are ready to call you in. We came around 11:30AM on a weekday and just beat the lunch rush. As we were seated they gave us waters but right before they were about to light our ramen on fire they made us put everything on the shelf below, put on our bibs, and told us to lean back and put our arms behind our back. They had pretty strict rules and if you want to survive this experience I suggest you follow them and DO NOT TOUCH THE BOWL or get any oil on you. This is a cool restaurant because as you arrive the owner himself takes a photo of you and and your group before putting your phone on a selfie stick by the stoves to record your reaction with the fire. He also is super awesome and asks where you are going after your meal and provides a map and tells you how to get there. The wait was pretty quick and within 10 minutes the process began. Let me tell you this fire is HOT. It's cool because a lot of new people came the same time so the owner went down the row lighting all bowls on fire. It took a couple mins to cool down and then the servers move the bowls closer to you as they are ready for consumption. Now to the ramen itself. Is it something that I've ever had? Nope. Is it something that I would get again next time I come to Japan? Likely not unless I'm really craving it. I thought the ramen was tasty and the broth had an added smokey flavor from the fie and green onions. I was a little skeptical of all the green onions but it actually worked and I think the fire toned them down. It's not your usual bowl of ramen so that's why I rated it the way I did, but I gotta give it up to the owner for having such personality and really focusing on the customer experience. The price point reflects the experience at the price of 1,500 yen and additional for any sets, but they now take card so it makes it easier to pay that.

To be honest, I had standards coming here, but soon realized it's slightly gimmicky. After we took our ticket which stated an approximate wait time of 1 hour, we decided to walk around the neighbourhood to kill time. After around 30 minutes, our wait in line went from 6 to 1. We frantically speed walked back to the restaurant so we don't miss our place. I think they seat customers in "batches". Their motto is to "make ramen known worldwide" so the host will ask you where you are from and announce it upon walking in. One of the servers will ask for your phone and strap it near the kitchen to capture the "fire moment". You will be given two bibs, which frankly are unnecessary. Their menu is small so most people order the fire ramen. Food is decent. The broth is salty, but we couldn't taste a lot of the seafood/chicken flavour. The gyoza were crispy outside and soft inside. I noticed a lot of people ordered the fried rice, but didn't finish it. I think the fried rice might be made in advance and "refried" when ordered. Don't be fooled. The fire ramen is NOT spicy. They just pour hot oil? in the bowl to set your ramen on fire. After much anticipation, the wow factor only lasts like 2 seconds. The staff will ask you to pose for a photo and give you a business card to help promote or post on social media. Overall, we have mixed feelings about this place. We don't think the food justifies the price (around 1300 yen for the fire ramen). The experience was cool, but we thought the restaurant was trying a little too hard to "promote".

This place is not a gimmick! I loved the theatre of the presentation. They're creating a fun atmosphere that is getting a buzz socially, but most importantly the food is good! Small wait. About 10 min. Seats about 10-12 people, but it moves quickly. I loved the flavor that the onions/scallions impart on the ramen. Must visit if in Kyoto.

Fire ramen is a must do in Kyoto! We came, we saw, we ate... and got a commemorative button! This place is for tourists, it's a show and an experience. We were entertained and it was fun, but the ramen and broth itself was a lacking. Kids loved it and I'd recommend this place to friends.

Okay...4 stars for ramen.. 2 stars for everything else. JUST LETTING YOU ALL KNOW..JUST CAUSE IT'S CALLED FIRE RAMEN DOESN'T MEAN IT'S SPICY. SUUUCH a huge tourist trap. I don't think you'll ever ever find a local Japanese person in this ramen joint. You take a number and you wait. We waited about 45 minutes, and every time customers walk in, they ask where you're from so you can get a proper menu and warning disclaimer. They know what they're doing, and they got selfie sticks allllll over the place because they KNOW people want videos of flames in their face. We got their fire ramen, which has a bunch of green onions on top. If you don't like onions, I'ma stop you right here and say you cannot order this ramen. No changes to this ramen whatsoever. They give you a bib and a leg bib as well. You cannot touch the ramen bowl, and you have to have your hands behind your back before they pour their fire-y oil. Honestly, that shit wasn't just hot..it was RIDICULOUS. Like, honestly thought my face was going to catch on fire. They don't want you to move either once it's pouring, so that's safe lol. The ramen itself was actually really delicious. I was surprised. I was expecting it to be ma-ma (so so), but it turned out way better. The owner will take pictures of you one by one and he gives you a pose to do which is so silly lol. Eh, I say it's interesting for the experience..but probably come once it opens so you can avoid long lines.

What an experience at menbaka. The owner is really friendly and speaks English very well. He put together a short guide book for travellers to get a feel of the lesser known sights of the city. Known for their fire ramen, it's a different take on ramen in Kyoto. I would say it's a combination of a show plus decent food. I do want to warn that the fire is no joke! You can feel the heat from the torching of your noodles. The fire adds an extra element of flavour to the dish. I do want to preface that the ramen itself is very oily in comparison to some of the other ramen spots that we got to try. The fried rice and Gyoza are amazing. Definitely a must try. Portions are sizeable, ramen can feed two and same with the fried rice.

I enjoy culinary theatrics from time to time and these guys do not disappoint! Once you are seated and you have ordered they go over the rules and safety regulations. Once the noodles come out, they pour hot oil on top and it bursts into an inferno right in front of you! It's very hot for a moment and you are left with a heck of a memory. They also have selfie sticks all around so they can capture it on video for you, which is pretty clever. The ramen itself was fine, I wanted it spicy, so you need to add your own chili flakes. It's a subtle flavor, but the star is the flames of course. The fried chicken was good and the gyoza was just ok. I found them to be a bit mushy. The fried rice is awesome! Get it spicy for the best possible flavor. Come for the show and stay for the food! https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298564-d6520634-r715883626-Menbaka_Fire_Ramen_Kyoto_Ramen_Restaurant-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html#

It's been a few weeks since my trip to Japan, but I felt the world ought to know about this place :) so the show here is definitely 5* and makes for a fun experience (think 8th Grade science class level explosions). The fire element to the ramen is super entertaining and people absolutely love it! Now for the ramen itself - truth be told I didn't actually try the ramen (we can with a group of friends here and he suggested we eat ramen somewhere else). So we stayed, enjoyed the show and then ducked out to get ramen elsewhere. That said - I did try the ramen broth and noodles since my friend shared a bite with me. Honestly... the first time I had a gag reflex when it came to ramen :( super sad since the show is super fun - but as someone who likes food... if I had a bowl of the stuff I think I'd be sick :( Not world class ramen, but a world class show :) fun place to visit but not making it on the list of regular places to eat in Kyoto.

Yes it is a touristy spot, but it's still super fun, super cool, and the ramen is actually tasty!! But it is VERY oniony. The menu says the fire ramen must be served with the onions. So don't be that tourist who asks them to take it out. I assume he's the owner, but the chef who is on all of the button and T-shirt souvenirs still pours the boiling hot oil over your ramen that ignites the fire. He's also extremely friendly. He will ask you where you're from when you enter, and then he will yell it and all the workers will cheer for you haha. Then he asks where you are going after ramen, and will give you a brochure he made with his son and daughter for other "secret local" spots in Kyoto. The workers will even take your phone and put it on a selfie stick in the middle of the kitchen so you and your fire ramen experience can be recorded on video. So no, you can't take pics or videos while you're being served your fire ramen, BUT if you stay long enough you can take pics of the next group of people who are seated perpendicular to you. Also, I recommend you go at an off time. We went at 3 and ended up waiting about 30 mins, but I could imagine the line would be much longer at prime lunch and dinner times.

Fun show and actually spectacular ramen with specialty kyoto green onions flavored broth. One of the most memorable meals in Kyoto. Lit.

Curious about how fire feels a couple inches away from your face? Then you'd probably wanna come here. Definitely worth the experience. Everyone was friendly here and they help you record your experience through a selfie stick, which shows your entire parties' reactions. 'A' Set (¥1590)- 4/5 I got the 'A' set which included the fire ramen and a small fried rice. Didn't know the fried rice had meat in it or else I would have just ordered the ramen alone. However, I did try some of the rice alone and it was pretty good. The ramen itself cannot be complete with the green onion- there's this nice fire/charred taste to it after. The ramen itself was pretty decent too, good broth and noodles. Was it the best? Probably not, but the overall experience was great and my family had fun!

Amazing experience! It sounds and looks scarier than it is. Really it's just hot oil and fire. We came a little after 11 and didn't have to wait in line but we saw the owner setting up the wait area just outside the restaurant. Everyone sits at the bar table where your ramen will be put into flames. The bar sits approximately 12 persons and I've noticed he does around 6 people at once. The menu is simple. There's only one type of ramen. You can either get it on its own or combo it up with a side of gyoza, chicken karaage and fried rice. The most expensive combo gives you an additional take home badge to show that you've been here. Seats are fixated to the ground and you are given aprons and instructions to read after you order. No photos of videos can be taken during the time of the fire ramen act. You can however give them your phone and they will clip it in a secure spot to the a video for you with you in it. The ramen itself was tasty. The noodles were thick and was cooked just right. The broth was delicious but I didn't want to take the chance of drinking so much oil. The chashu was good but I wished there was an ajitama. The owner is really nice. He even helps you get to your next destination from his restaurant. He tells you which bus to take and where to come off. A must try restaurant if you go to Kyoto.

You only come here for the show. Ramen on fire! (Also maybe get the bowl. No ramen no life). Which is an exact quote that represents me. Long queues. I waited for over an hour to get space. But there were five of us. The ramen is below average. Very salty and tasted burnt. (No wonder, the ramen was on fire) You can get your own phone and they will take a video of your ramen being on fire. Saying this again. Only come here for the experience and not for the food and you will be satisfied. If you are expecting good ramen. Then think again.

[As of December 17] WHAT THE FIRE RAMEN!?! If ramen is not a part of your normal eating habits, then you are wrong! That statement holds true as long as you are in Japan. The wife and I took a trip to Kyoto and I knew we had to stop at this ramen house. Credit goes to Red Duck Post for showing me this spot! RESTAURANT: From where we were staying, getting to the restaurant was super easy. Be warned, available parking is almost nonexistent. We were lucky enough to snag the last spot. Never fear, around the corner is coin parking. Before you enter, you are greeted by large signs giving instructions in English on how to "reserve" your seat(s). There is even a spot on the sidewalk to take a photo for your Instagram. The restaurant itself is quite small. Seating is for about 10 people total. Stools planted at a large bar-like counter. Reason behind this setup is in its name, "Fire Ramen". There is a restroom available in the rear as well. STAFF: The host/hostess are also your cook and waiter/waitresses. As previously stated, the establishment is small so there is no need for many workers. Within a few minutes of reserving our seats, we were kindly greeted by our multi-talented cook. Inside, the remaining two waitresses seated us promptly. We were given readable menus to order from, simultaneously handing over my mobile phone in order to record our priceless reactions for what was to come. Within no time, a flashcard presentation was delivered telling us all on what to expect with the famous fire ramen. FOOD: As stated earlier, the reason that we sit at a bar-like counter is for the cook to pour fire-LITERAL FIRE-on your bowl of ramen! This dangerous feat could not be done at a far away table. As expected, our ramen hit the spot. I got the special combo that came with fried rice, fried chicken, and a cool button pin. The wife received ramen with her beloved gyoza. If you would like, you can buy pretty neat souvenirs: T-shirt, bowl, and/or bandanas. The meal really hit the spot and was quite the "fiery" show. If you don't believe me, check out the pics! fin.

すごい!! やばい (Awesome term)!! So first of all I would like to thank Red Duck Post and there social media video via Facebook for introducing me to this experience! I honestly would've not found out about this place without seeing that clip! *Also a must stop visit if in Kyoto* Atmosphere: Awesome vibe! The workers and the other customers are all for the thrill of the experience so don't hesitate to talk amongst the many visitors around the world that come her just for this experience. The workers are all about taking photos and video of you and the experience of course follow the rules thou, just be mindful of what they tell you, safety first! Price: When your traveling sometimes it pays for the experience, but why not! Its a bit pricey compared to other ramen places with sets and what not but where else can you get this type of experience served for you! Food: Food was ok, nothing special just basic ramen, fried rice, gyoza, and fried chicken, again its all about the experience! I have no regrets! Location: Location was very good, close to major bus stops EXPERIENCE: We came here during winter and it was cold. When we got here there was a bit of a wait but not to long for us as we arrived in the evening and we waited outside in the cold. They had a tent with a warmer outside but it was to full. Nevertheless coming from Hawaii we wanted to experience the negative temperatures. -When we were finally called in we hung our coats and sat down, we were given the menu and I got the special set which included the Fire Ramen | Fried Rice | Gyoza | Fried Chicken | Free souvenir badge ( which you are aloud to choose ~ i got the no ramen no life badge) | -Once you've decided and read through the rules on the back of the menu they give you a bib and they take your phone from you and put it on their selfie sticks hanging behind them in the kitchen in front of you, to prep for the fire drop. They then advise you to keep other phones and cameras out of the way and under the table during this time for safety reasons (Please be mindful as they will call you out if you don't listen) -Once your dishes are near ready they will go through the rules again on a binder in front of you specifically for your language if it calls for you to make sure that you are aware of the rules. Safety is everything to these guys, they pride themselves on no injuries since opening! -When its all clear they give you your bowl of ramen and advising you not to touch the bowl because its hot! They then begin recording on all your phones, then they come and drop the FIRE touch to your ramen one by one amongst your group of people near you! -Although it was just a short burst of fire and experience of having fire poured on your ramen right in front of you, it was a great time and experience. It might not seem much to people but again where are you gonna have this experience again over ramen! -Once the fire drop has been done the workers then take photos of you hold a few ramen noodles with your mouth open and looking up, of course you might look stupid on photos like I did doing that but hey everyone did it. -The owner was such a blast, if you ask him kindly if you can have a picture with him he will give you this big version of one of the badges and put your heads together if your with someone and take photos of you. Pro tip: ** Its ok to slurp your noodles its actually a good sound to hear from the cooks. In Japan slurping noodles is considered evidence of enjoying the meal and it also enhances the flavor. **Finish all your food! Don't order what you cant eat, lol not an actual rule but meh figured I throw in some cultural thing in the mix. I ate everything clean hah even the broth! The Japanese consider it rude to leave food on your plate, whether at home or at a restaurant. It's related to one of the fundamental concepts in Japanese culture, mottainai, which is a feeling of regret at having wasted something. Also since in Kansai region instead of saying Oishī おいしい (Delicious) say Mechamecha umai (it is the right way to say delicious in Kansai Region such as Kyoto) Trust me! as told by many locals! HAVE FUN!! いただきます (Itadakimasu) SYOY! (JAN 03 2018)

Five stars for the service and the fire ramen novelty experience. Yes there were some serious flames. Yes it was safe. Yes it was fun. Three stars for the food. The ramen is pretty one note. Thin noodles lacking in chew, the soup seems to be a very basic miso broth and soy sauce, the chasiu pork is tasteless and mediocre, the green onions and minced garlic help but don't carry the dish which remains one note and simple. The gyoza dumplings were solid, and the chicken karaage was easily the best part of the meal, tender, nicely crispy on the outside. It's worth a visit, but don't expect to be blown away by the ramen itself. The wait wasn't bad for us. We came around 7, waited two minutes and then got seated. They do like to seat and serve as many patrons (up to 6) at one go.

This firey hot experience put my girlfriend and I in experiential Heaven ! Shin was the ultimate G and needs a pay raise or some commission on the bowls and shirts fire having such s conversion rate ! The fire flames were worth it alone , but please enjoy the deliciousness of the ramen !! No ramen , no life !!!

I really surprise that the noodles actually tasted good. I thought the people only came here for the experience. But the experience was really worth it. They were providing a show with food. Very professional, making sure we are caution of the do and don't when the chef is pouring the flaming oil onto the noodles. Not only that they were nice to help record and take pictures of our experience. It's a must try!

Definitely worth the trip! We actually missed this place when we were staying in Kyoto however made a special side trip from Osaka just to try it and if I did it all over again I would say it's worth it. We went during a Tuesday night right before 6pm and luckily there wasn't a wait. People started trickling in during that time however. Presentation: 5/5 - This place knows how to advertise and attract foreigners and locals with their spectacular fire ramen show. They even attach your phones to selfiesticks to record the whole fire experience for you at no additional charge. Food: 4/5 - They miss a point for ingredients. Overall a great price however it's bare minimum with add ons such as egg and chasyu. The noodles and broth were on point imo but my friends thought it was a bit salty. The bowls must have green onion for the burning effect so be aware that there will be a lot of it. My ramen was just warm after the whole burning which was a bit odd but understandable because they probably didn't want to overcook it however the broth was fine. Price: $-$$ I would say very affordable for the experience about 12.50$ per bowl at minimum and stretches up to 30$ for a set. Every person sitting at the table should order at least a bowl. Service: 5/5 They are VERY friendly, courteous, and can speak English and when we were there a worker who could speak French as well. TLDR if you're in the area it's worth the trip for a show and great ramen! Oh and BTW they have great swag such as t shirts and bowls to purchase at 33$ or 20$. I opted for the bowl because it was legit. #noramennolife #fire

Menbakaichidai is very famous for its fire ramen and if you plan a trip to Kyoto, this is one that you simply cannot miss! The small restaurant definitely mixed a lot of fun, great food and awesome atmosphere together. It was a good one hour queue and fortunately we were under cover when it started to drizzle. We came one hour before the opening and found a couple from Canberra who sat in front of the shop already. They informed us that we should take a ticket from a small ticketing machine outside of the shop to keep our spot. The owner and staff came about 20 minutes before the opening time to set up their restaurant and exactly at 6PM they opened the door for us (yay!). We were asked about our country of origin after we sat down on the wooden stools and given the menu. Of course all of us were there for the fire ramen. They also had side dishes on offer such as fried chicken and gyoza. We added a plate of fried chicken to our order. The owner took our phone and placed each on a hanging selfie stick. He set up the recording before he poured the fire into the bowl of ramen. We were given large piece of paper to cover our lap as well as apron and the staff informed us not to touch the bowl because it would be quite oily. When he poured the fire, it was definitely hotter than what I imagined from photos and videos that I saw online. I could feel the heat from my neighbour's fire so when he poured the fire in front of me, I thought I just singed my hair and eyebrows! The fire ramen had heaps of spring onion but I remembered seeing a flyer outside of the shop that they couldn't remove spring onions from their bowl of ramen.​ I thought the ramen would be quite normal but the spring onions was burnt quite well. It was so tasty when eaten together with the thin ramen noodle. Their broth was also very delicious! Before we finished our meal, the owner asked about our plan for the rest of the night. Depending on your answer, he'd try to assist you by providing information about the bus to take, and in our case, he gave us a very professionally made travel brochure of places that we couldn't miss in Kyoto.​ It was a very great experience to have especially for our first night in Kyoto. We will go back again when we visit Kyoto next time.​ If you want your ramen experience to be a little bit different and fun, check out this place.

The noodles here are fire. LIKE ACTUAL FIRE and not some millennial verbiage lol. You'll come in and notice how insanely warm it is. You might start questioning the unusual amount of sweat seeping through your skin. And then you'll notice huge charred marks all over the table that you are sitting on. So. Let me just say: DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING. DO NOT RISK GETTING LEFTOVER OIL ON YOUR BODY. PLEASE KEEP THEIR SURVIVAL RATE AT 100%. But anyway. You'll order the noodles you want. They'll give you safety directions to follow and then they'll ask for someone's phone to hang it up and record the experience for you :) Afterwards, you're served your bowl of ramen and they POUR GODDAMN OIL ON FIRE INTO IT. I thought my eyebrows were going to burn off T^T But let me just say... that it was the best damn bowl of ramen I've ever tried. Yes, the fire was a bit extra. And no I don't understand the science behind it but it was sooooo good. The seasoning, broth, and noodles came together so well. We were all nodding our heads the entire meal. It was definitely an experience to try in Kyoto! Please try it if you're in the area. You won't regret it!

OMG talk about fun, great tasting, clean, polite what other words can I say to describe this restaurant man was it all the things I mentioned and more! If you ever come to Kyoto Japan you have to come here.

This place is spectacular! By first impression, you'd think that the restaurant was probably a cheap old ramen shop but I assure you, its services are world class. The staff really put on a show to entertain you, they are very considerate of non-Japanese speakers and are very accommodating to customers with kids too. They made sure we did all the safety instructions before pouring fiery oil on our noodles. To ensure we all got pictures, selfie sticks are placed within the kitchen to capture our reactions to the flaming ramen show. They also interacted with us as they prepared our meal and later gave us instructions to our next destination. The ramen itself was pretty good. You have the option of ordering just a ramen or a ramen set. The green tea came free. We also had some gyoza and fried rice. It was a pretty good meal but the friendliness and hospitality of the people there are what made it worthwhile. The place appears to have gotten some recognition lately and long lines can now be seen outside the restaurant during dinner time.

My friends and I had a great experience at Menbakaichidai! It was our first real dinner in Japan after a very long flight. We kicked off our trip with a bang! It was probably one of my favorite memories in Japan. The staff is super energetic and has great energy. The food is also great! The place itself is quite small. Our group of 9 took up half the restaurant already, but it made for a more intimate experience overall. We all got shirts as souvenirs :). I cannot recommend this place enough! Thanks to the amazing workers for having us and making it a very memorable experience.

Great Experience, the family and I had a great time. The fire ramen for me was worth it. If you're looking for true Japanese ramen then go some where else, this is just about the fire theme. I enjoyed the show and the ramen.

Such a unique experience after a long day of walking around Kyoto! My husband and I visited around noon on a weekday and there was absolutely no wait to be seated. Staff quickly explained the menu options and dressed us in aprons to prevent our clothes from getting oily. The staff is incredibly friendly, and most speak English. They were happy to take photos and video while we enjoyed ramen and fried rice. We live in Japan and are definitely ramen lovers. Not only was the fire ramen a fun experience, the ramen was delicious! The owner is incredible! He came out to us to share his own booklet on exploring Kyoto and helped us onto our next stop by telling us exactly which bus to take and where to catch it at.

My friends and I somehow stumbled into this place and it is such a hidden gem. The cooks here made it such a unique experience for us and went above and beyond making sure to provide such stellar food while providing top notch service. Between the flaming hot (literally) as well as the selfie stick recording the entire thing, this place had such a fun ambiance! This was seriously a highlight of our trip

This is such a fun restaurant! There are tons of ramen shops in Japan, but this one definitely stands out! Their ramen is on fire! When my friend and I walked into the restaurant, it was already full. They asked us to take a number and wait outside. Similar to many restaurants in Japan, there were seats only around the counter. It seemed like they welcomed customers in two groups: one group with about eight customers and the other group of four or five customers. The ramen was surprisingly good, and the customer service was just excellent. They ensure that your clothes are protected from the fire and oil by providing an apron. They also have selfie sticks hung in the kitchen so that you get a video of your reaction when your ramen is on fire. Finally, at the end of the meal, the chef provides directions on how to get to your next destination! I highly recommend this restaurant when visiting Kyoto!

Depends what you are looking for. If you are looking for a show this is a fun place. It's tourist friendly. Beers are about $6 and ramen is about $13, it's a little more than usual. The ramen broth is pretty good but the noodles and pork are pretty tough; I'll put it 4/10 even in comparison to American ramen. The chefs are more friendly towards tourist and will make small talk; they will even go as far as offering things like their own tour pamphlet and button. In general I felt like they were trying hard to market themselves so that customers will tell their friends about the shop but the ramen wasn't very good and overpriced.

So I was hankering to get moving around the city after a fantastic experience of watching monks ring in the bells for the new year. Woke up early and started moving to see the bamboo forest, kinkakuji, nijo castle, etc. After wrapping up the morning portion of our intense 2 day tour of Kyoto, we were hankering for a warm bowl of ramen and I had remembered reading about this joint which served up "fire ramen." I realized it was not too far from Nijo castle and made my way over to this joint for opening time which was 11:30. We arrived 5 minutes before opening and saw the signs for the restaurant. It is kind of hard to miss the signs with pictures of fires and the "angry owner's" face glaring at you. The doors were promptly opened at 11:30 and they will ask if you are interested in the Fire Ramen or normal ramen. The answer is always Fire Ramen for those in doubt. The concept of the fire ramen is that they make a bowl of noodles and add in oils that when fire is applied, essentially creates a burst of fire that flares up. If eating the Fire Ramen, you are seated at the counter which looks like a battlefield with all the scorch marks. We were provided menus which had entertaining instructions in English which made it clear it was not the owner's first rodeo in hosting non Japanese speakers. Decided to go with the combo which provided gyoza and two fire ramens. They obviously have strict rules on where to place your hands and flash photography which initially bummed me out but I realized these guys all had a plan. They have camera stands behind the counter and they will ask you for your phone so that they can record a video of the "event" happening. They were immediately bustling around helping us prepare for our meal and within moments we had our two bowls of ramen sitting in front of us with the master chef preparing the fire to be dropped. The whole ordeal seemed like a shuttle launch from NASA with a countdown in place. The owners pressed record on the camera and asked if we were ready. We put our hands behind our back and the owner made his way over to our bowls with a brief countdown and BOOM the fire was applied and the ramen exploded with flames. It was extreme heat and it was quite a cool experience which was all caught on camera. We of course applauded and then dug right into our bowl of ramen. I will be honest in that I thought this would just be a gimmick to get tourists in but the ramen was actually pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised by the broth and we definitely finished the bowl. This was a great experience and something I recommend to others. The owners are super friendly and actually took the time to ask where we would be heading and provided directions and tips to keep in mind which I thought was extremely thoughtful. The owner also had a brochure he handed out which tapped into the secrets of Kyoto which stay away from the mainstream tourist attractions which I thought was a nice touch. Definitely a solid spot and will be back when I am in Kyoto.

Service was great, but ramen was pretty meh. It's mostly for experience so if you are looking into a burning ramen experience, I would recommend visiting here. It's westernized so alot of the customers were foreigners. Seating is pretty limited with 15 bar seating. I heard it gets pretty crowded during peak hours so I would recommend coming at odd hours. Menu is pretty simple, negi ramen with soy base soup. (cheapest choice was 1350 yen). I like how the ramen cooks take a picture/video while they pour the hot oil in the ramen. The fire ramen lasts about 5 sec, but heat is pretty strong and flame rises about a foot high. Although service was fantastic, taste of ramen is bland. Chashu was very thin and noodles were cooked on the softer side. Although there was plenty of negi in the broth, the taste of the broth lacked flavor. I've had better ramen in the US. I think its worth giving this place a shot if you want something different.

Didn't know what we were getting into we thought we were only getting ramen. This was a show! Fire ramen is so great! They have English menus and speak English. The staff is all very kind and very helpful. The owner helped us get directions to the Kyoto station. Must come here!