Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store

About three years ago, when I visited the Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Kobe Main Store, I noticed something on the menu that caught my eye—a dish called “Tomato Ramen.” So, I went to the Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store to try it. Although the business is now completely separate, since the restaurant originally traces its roots back to the Honke Daiichi Asahi in Kyoto, I never expected them to be serving such an unconventional ramen there.

Ever since then, I’d made up my mind: “The next time I stop by Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi, I’m definitely ordering the tomato ramen!” The other day, when I was in Sannomiya, I remembered that, and since it happened to be lunchtime, I headed straight into the restaurant. So, how was the tomato ramen at Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store, when I actually tried it…?

The shop’s atmosphere might have a subtle Asian vibe… Here’s what Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store is like…

Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store opened in 1982 as the second Daiichi Asahi-branded restaurant in Kobe. Located under an elevated railway track a short distance back toward Osaka from the North Exit of JR Sannomiya Station, its exterior exudes a nostalgic atmosphere typical of a ramen shop that’s been around since the Showa era.

But once you step inside, the atmosphere changes completely. The dining area is quite spacious, with a total of 38 seats, including 11 at the counter. The color scheme—centered on light blue and white—is unusual for a ramen shop. The back wall features a painting of a pond with ducks and flamingos, giving the place a slightly unusual feel for a ramen shop. I can’t quite put it into words with my limited vocabulary, but there’s definitely a subtle Asian-inspired vibe to it…

Contrary to what you might expect, it’s an ethnic-style dish with a spicy kick, so be warned… How did the Tomato Chashu Ramen at Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store actually turn out?

So, let me introduce the Tomato Chashu Ramen (price: 1,150 yen, tax included) that I ordered that day at Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store. After waiting just under 10 minutes from the time I placed my order, the tomato ramen was brought to my table, and this is what it looked like…

Since it’s tomato ramen, it’s only natural that the broth is red, but is that chopped tomato in the center? It had a rather rough-and-ready appearance, which took me a little by surprise.

That aside, let’s start with the broth… It’s probably the same clear pork broth used in regular ramen, but honestly, I couldn’t really taste the pork. Instead, the tomato juice takes center stage, and it tastes as if Tabasco has been added for a spicy kick. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to turn out like this. It definitely tastes like tomato, but it’s not made with the Japanese emphasis on umami; personally, I felt the seasoning was quite ethnic… I think people will be clearly divided on whether they like it or not. It makes the tongue tingle quite a bit, so those who aren’t used to spicy food should be careful.

As for the noodles, they’re straight, thin, low-hydration noodles. They’re cooked just right, with a nice chewy texture. While this level of doneness would be perfect for a clear pork broth, the soup’s strong, distinctive flavor makes the noodles feel a bit overshadowed this time.

Turning to the toppings, I counted a total of eight slices of chashu. Each slice felt substantial and was very satisfying to eat. Besides the chashu, the bowl also contained celery and spinach, which made me think this tomato ramen was probably designed to be a “stamina ramen” style dish… Though, personally, I found the celery and spinach a bit hit-or-miss…

So, that’s how I finished the Tomato Chashu Ramen at Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store in about 10 minutes, but it was very different from what I’d initially imagined. My personal impression was that it was like an ethnic-style “stamina ramen”—it had some heat and was a much more stimulating bowl than I’d expected. This might be good to eat when you’re feeling a bit under the weather and your head is foggy, just to give your body a boost. But I probably wouldn’t order this again when I’m feeling healthy…

Other Menu Items at Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store (Prices include tax)

• A Ramen: 750 yen
• B Ramen: 1,000 yen
• C Ramen: 1,200 yen
• Miso Ramen: 1,050 yen
• Shio Ramen: 1,000 yen
• Kobe-kko Don: 800 yen
• Fried Rice: 820 yen

On the 5th and 20th of every month, you can get great deals on takeout roast pork… Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store is a 3-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the JR Kobe Line, the nearest station.

At Kobe Ramen Daiichi Asahi Sannomiya Main Store, they also offer takeout ramen, gyoza, and fried rice…

The 5th and 20th of every month are “Roast Pork Days,” when you can get takeout roast pork at a great price. In addition, they’re currently selling punch cards that let you order ramen and gyoza at discounted prices. By taking full advantage of these services, regulars can save quite a bit on their food expenses. If you get the chance, be sure to give these items a try.

Now, here are the shop details…

P.S. If you are looking for delicious ramens in Hyogo, please stop by this article below…