Osaka Umeda Ramen Hidden Gem｜Menya Kogane A Bowl of Dual-Flavor Taste Adventure

Ramen lovers visiting Osaka Umeda must not miss this well-reputed old shop "Menya Kogane." The interior features a simple industrial style with warm lighting. Although seating is limited, it exudes a craftsman atmosphere. The multilingual menu and handwritten Chinese notes show extra care. It’s just a 3-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station, making it a high-value choice for lunch and dinner. The must-try "Special Chinese Ramen" is a masterpiece of broth art: a rich and mellow broth simmered long with chicken and pork bones, paired with hand-kneaded whole grain flat noodles that absorb the soup perfectly. The most surprising feature is the "flavor switch" design where adding yuzu vinegar midway instantly balances the richness with a refreshing tang, offering a dual experience of richness and freshness in one bowl. The "Special Curry Dipping Noodles" are a blessing for those who love bold flavors: the spicy and fragrant curry soup is thick but not greasy. Mixing the leftover dipping sauce with the provided white rice instantly transforms it into a savory and rich curry rice, a "soulful way to eat" that makes you want to finish every bite. If you want to add more, the "Chashu Egg Rice Bowl" is a guaranteed hit: the soft-boiled egg yolk coats the tender chashu when broken, and the Japanese soy sauce flavor seeps into every grain of rice. The simple yet full-bodied taste is satisfying. The lunch hours are 11:30 AM–4:00 PM, and dinner hours are 5:00 PM–11:00 PM, perfect for flexible scheduling. At about 1,300 yen per person, you can enjoy such thoughtfully crafted ramen, no wonder it’s a highly popular hidden gem in the Umeda shopping district.