Have Your Ramen Set On Fire At Menbakaichidai In Japan

We have our share of flaming beef bowls and even char siew, but nothing can top Japan’s fire ramen. Menbakaichidai in Kyoto is not your regular ramen shop; they serve their ramen in a bowl that’s on fire, literally.

Your ramen bowl will be put in front of you, while the owner prepares to pour the streaming flames into your bowl, quite unfazed. Expect not a flickering flame, but a fiery inferno as the flaming oil is poured into the bowl before you.

The green onion-covered surface of the ramen releases a burst of flavour as it is being scorched (or burnt) by the flaming oil, proving the flames to be more than a mere theatrical gimmick.

Having your dinner set on fire probably isn’t something you’ll look forward to all the time, but you can for just S$16.82 for their cheapest Fire Ramen. Opt for their two middle-range sets with a choice between fried rice and dumplings or another set which includes both, with fried chicken and the restaurant’s badge pin as a memento for S$28.15.

Choose between chicken or seafood for your broth, both topped with chashu pork and other additional toppings hidden beneath the surface of green onion.

Safety really isn’t quite a concern; the restaurant’s claim that ‘no one has died yet’ aside, customers are seated a safe distance away and provided safety aprons to protect their upper body and legs. A short safety briefing will also be given to customers before the pouring. 

The real clincher is how you’re not allowed to use your phone to document the entire process. And let’s be real, if it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen? Don’t fret as Menbakaichidai has got you covered with their set-up of suspended selfie sticks in their kitchen just for your phones to record the entire process, so you wouldn’t be missing out!

Spring season is just about ending, but don’t mope over missing out on the sakura blossoms. We reckon having your ramen set on fire is a pretty lit reason to give Japan a visit as well.

Dates & times: Now available at Menbakaichidai | 11am – 11pm (Daily) 

Prices: S$17 – S$30 per pax