つけ麺 魚雷 坪井本店

🌶️ The local favorite for dipping noodles in Kumamoto! Spicy, chewy, and super satisfying 😋

I asked a friend who has lived in Kumamoto for recommendations on good local places, and he pointed me to this popular spot that locals from high school students to the elderly love.

According to online reviews from Japanese people, there’s a chance of waiting over 30 minutes during peak dining times. I arrived close to closing time, just before 9 PM, and there was only one seat left for me.

This time, I ordered the classic signature torpedo dipping noodles with a soft-boiled egg. When it arrived, the bowl was filled with bright red sauce, topped with a generous sprinkle of chili powder. Just looking at it was already thrilling! Inside the sauce, there was a huge, thick slice of char siu; biting into it was tender and full of flavor, making it incredibly enjoyable!

The noodles were thick and very chewy, with a smooth texture that didn’t pick up too much of the thick sauce. Although it was quite spicy, it was still bearable.

The spiciness of this bowl was about medium to high; by the end, I was sweating and chugging water 😂. My friend mentioned that the curry dipping noodles aren’t as spicy and are also very popular at the restaurant. They even provide a special way to enjoy the curry dipping noodles, making it a good option for those who can’t handle such heat!