Based on its name – Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya, which cheekily translates to ‘The Most Desarted (sic) Ramen Bar in the World’ – this ramen restaurant clearly has a self-deprecating sense of humour. Tucked away in a sleek office building in Nakanoshima, an area with little casual foot traffic, it still manages to attract a small but steadily moving line outside its door. This is a testament to its reputation as one of the more highly regarded ramen spots in Osaka.
For starters, the Most Desarted Ramen Bar in the World doesn’t look like your typical noodle joint. It’s unusually spacious. In addition to standard counter seating, there are tables that seat groups of four. Then there’s the wall-mounted screen playing pop concerts, which make the space feel more like a casual drinking spot than a ramen restaurant.
The ramen, which comes in deep, oversized bowls that we presume help prevent the soup from splashing onto your clothes, is surprisingly affordable. Most standard servings are priced below ¥1,000 including tax.
There are six ramen options on the menu, all with soy sauce broths. Witch’s Red is a sweet soy sauce ramen with a delicate shellfish flavour, while Kurofune offers a richer, darker soy sauce broth. Captain Gold features a light soy sauce base infused with bonito oil for extra depth of flavour.
For those who like a bit of heat, there are two choices: Kurofune Return, a spicy dark soy sauce ramen, and Captain Gold Come Back, a spicy light soy sauce broth seasoned with yuzu oil and chilli peppers. If you prefer your ramen soupless, try Kanko Dori, where the dry-style noodles are dressed with a citrus-accented soy sauce.
The menu also includes side dishes such as gyoza and pork rice bowls, along with additional toppings for your ramen, including char siu, egg, spring onions and even kimchi. The Most Desarted Ramen Bar in the World also serves Coedo craft beer from Kawagoe, a city in Saitama prefecture.