Osaka Tenjinbashi Food Guide: Audio Menu at Top Ramen Spot “So Dai Sho”

So Dai Sho: The Ultimate Experience in Rich Soy Sauce Ramen

When you step into Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome in Osaka, you might be attracted to a ramen shop with a distinctive signboard, “So Dai Sho,” which started in 2004. This shop isn’t just about authentic Osaka flavor; it’s known among locals as a must-visit for its famous soy sauce ramen. In Osaka, when discussing ramen, many think of Shio Gensui, a brand with over 20 branches in the Kansai area, but it actually began with soy sauce ramen from So Dai Sho.

Due to its popularity, there’s always a queue, but don’t worry. Despite the long lines, the efficient service and fast customer turnover mean you usually wait only about ten minutes. Once inside this cozy ramen shop with just 12 seats, you’ll find each seat has a unique charm, beckoning you to try that legendary bowl of ramen.

Start with the renowned soy sauce ramen—”Kuro Dai Sho.” Contrary to what the name suggests, the broth is not as thick as you might expect. Instead, it’s a clear, light broth made from a mix of fish and meat, with a gentle sweetness, enhanced by unique hints of yuzu and caramelized onions, adding depth to the dish. The broth, a blend of pork and chicken stock with dashi extracted from seafood, offers rich layers of flavor. Uniquely, the soy sauce combined with subtle yuzu tones leaves a memorable aftertaste. The house-made medium-thick noodles, both chewy and smooth, are a dream for any enthusiast.

And just as you’re savoring the ramen, So Dai Sho’s fried rice brings another surprise. Once named “Kansai No.1,” this dish, honored as the “King of Fried Rice” in Kansai, might look like ordinary fried rice, but each grain is delicately coated in oil, offering a moist yet soft texture unlike typical fried rice. The grains are perfectly distinct, and the seasoning of So Dai Sho’s fried rice is spot-on, richly flavorful without being greasy.

If you’re in Osaka, consider visiting So Dai Sho to taste its original flavors and craftsmanship, steadfastly avoiding chemicals and additives. The old-school soy sauce ramen and the richly layered fried rice are sure to add memorable moments to your trip to Japan.