Osaka’s Rare Tsukemen Spot: Ikareta Noodle Fishtons
Osaka isn’t exactly known for tsukemen (dipping ramen). But Ikareta Noodle Fishtons is making a strong case for it. In a city where ramen reigns supreme, this shop delivers a standout tsukemen experience.
Like many ramen spots in the Kansai region, you’ll need to buy your ticket from the machine first before lining up. The staff will seat you once you're at the front of the line.
For tsukemen, you’ll have a choice of sizes: Sho (small), Nami (regular), and Dai (large). Dai is 300 grams, but given the thickness of the noodles, Nami (200 grams) is already filling!
A Tsukemen Worth the Hype
They offer three types of tsukemen: a rich tsukemen, a spicy tsukemen, and a lighter tsukemen. I went for the standard rich tsukemen, and it didn’t disappoint.
The soy sauce-seasoned fish and pork broth takes 5 days to prepare. It was deeply flavorful yet smooth—not overly grainy like some fish-heavy tsukemen can be. The fish flavors were bold but never overpowering, striking a great balance with the pork. There’s also a subtle spicy kick, with pork back fat adding extra richness.
The pork chashu came in two varieties:
Smoky, char siu-style slices with a grilled depth—my personal favorite.
Fattier cuts of boiled pork belly (from the Tokyo X pork brand), which had a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The thick, flat, house-made noodles were satisfyingly chewy, pairing perfectly with the broth.
A surprising addition was the minced pork, which had a spicy miso kick. However, this is only available if you order all toppings. Doing so also gets you:
A side dish of white onions, which adds sharpness and contrast to the soup.
A seasonal vegetable or fruit—on my visit, it was watermelon radish.
Finishing Strong with Soup Wari
To wrap things up, the soup wari (broth diluter) was excellent, softening the remaining broth while keeping the fish flavors intact. It’s a must-try for those who want to savor the last drops.
If you’re in Osaka and looking for something beyond the usual ramen options, Ikareta Noodle Fishtons is a rare tsukemen find worth seeking out.