Strike ken Osaka Tenma Main Store

Since its founding in 2013, Strike Ken has made a significant impact in Osaka’s fiercely competitive ramen district of Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome. On June 24, 2025, it relocated and reopened at a new location. The new location is about a minute’s walk from the original shop, tucked into a bustling area off Tenjinbashisuji lined with many eateries (right near the new shop is Men Genso, another popular ramen spot in Tenroku). Curious about what the new shop would be like, I visited the new location one afternoon recently. The new Strike Ken had a very different atmosphere from the old shop…

Compared to the old shop, the interior is colorful and pop… This is the new Strike ken Osaka Tenma Main Store.

First, the exterior of the new Strike ken Osaka Tenma Main Store. At a glance, it’s about three times the size of the old shop. Considering the old shop only had 10 seats, the number of seats has increased significantly, promising a more relaxed dining experience. The exterior is painted almost entirely in a vibrant yellow, making it stand out quite a bit from the surrounding shops. While you could say this flashy facade is quintessentially Osaka, such high visibility means customers won’t have any trouble finding the place.

Inside, the interior is bright and clean, with white as the base color. Facing the counter, chairs and ornaments in primary colors like red, green, and yellow are arranged. While the old shop had the atmosphere of a very ordinary ramen shop, the new one has become quite colorful and pop. Seating capacity is 5 counter seats and 10 table seats, totaling 15 seats. Compared to the old shop, the space is also much more generously spaced, making it considerably more comfortable.

That addictive flavor in a light chicken broth… How did Strike Ken Osaka Tenma Main Store’s other signature menu item, the Sinker?

So, let me introduce the other signature menu item I ordered that day at Strike Ken Osaka Tenma Main Store: the Sinker (price: ¥1,100 including tax). About 10 minutes after ordering, the ramen brought before me looked like this…

This Sinker’s soup is a Toripaitan, but it doesn’t look thick or viscous. It gives off a slightly old-school chicken soup vibe. Also, the clams as a topping are unusual. I wonder if there’s some special reason behind using clams?

Anyway, first, a sip of the soup… True to its appearance, it’s a light Toripaitan soup. In terms of richness, it reminded me of the soup at the legendary shop in Kyoto’s Ichijoji, Tentenyu Ichijoji Main Store. It has a solid chicken flavor without any heaviness, making it a concentration likely to appeal to a wide range of people. But this soup doesn’t stop there. After the chicken umami hits, that addictive garlic aroma gently floats from the mouth to the nose… The garlic scent and the chicken broth’s umami strike a perfect balance, each asserting its presence. It’s a flavor that never gets boring, right down to the last drop.

The noodles accompanying this soup are different from the straight noodles used before—these are medium-thin, straight, flat-pressed noodles. They’re made by Menya Teigaku, a renowned noodle maker in Kyoto. As expected, they have excellent firmness. They absorb the soup well, and as the noodles pass the throat, they carry the chicken and garlic aroma back up to the nose. However, just like with the straight noodles, the portion feels a bit on the light side. If you want to feel full, I recommend ordering a large portion of noodles or adding a side dish.

Now, the toppings consist of three slices of chicken breast chashu and three clams. Since it’s the default topping, it can’t be helped, but each slice is on the small side, so it might not quite satisfy meat lovers. Also, I still felt a bit uneasy about the clam topping until the very end. It wasn’t “bad” by any means, but personally, I’d be happier if they increased the chicken chashu instead of using clams.

That’s how I finished the Sinker, one of Strike Ken Osaka Tenma Main Store‘s signature dishes, in about 5 minutes and left the shop. The combination of Toripaitan soup and garlic was memorable, making me think, “I’d like to come back and eat here again if I get the chance…” Still, I’d be torn between choosing the Straight or the Sinker. If my stomach and wallet allowed, ordering both might be the best choice.

Other Menu Items at Strike Ken Osaka Tenma Main Store (Prices include tax)

• From Yamagata Sakata!! Mangetsu’s Fluffy Soft Wontons (3 pieces) 250 yen
• Straight Noodles (Regular) 1000 yen
• Wonton Noodles 1250 yen
• MVP (Special Serving) 1550 yen
• Rice with Raw Egg 350 yen
• Super Limited! Serious Shirasu Rice Bowl 450 yen

A branch has also opened in Nakanoshima… Strike Ken Osaka Tenma Main Store is accessible via a 3-minute walk from the nearest station, Osaka Metro Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station.

Strike Ken opened a branch inside Nakanoshima Festival Plaza on June 16, 2025. Opening a branch around the same time as the main store’s relocation—isn’t that super cool? At this Nakanoshima Festival Plaza branch, you can try the new menu item “Curve,” not available at the Osaka Tenma Main Store. So, if you get the chance, please stop by the new branch in Nakanoshima too.

Now, here are the shop details…

It’s a 4-minute walk from JR Loop Line/Tenma Station.

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