One of the joys of experiencing Japan is its ramen culture. Beyond the classic soy sauce and miso ramen, each shop offers its own unique take on this beloved dish, creating a delightful competition across the country. In Hitachinaka City, "KITCHEN83 CAFE Lion's Child" is a popular ramen and set meal café among locals. We highly recommend trying their rich chicken paitan ramen and their clear chicken kohaku ramen. Both are unforgettable in taste, and many visitors find themselves torn between which one to order!
A Stylish Space Like a Café: "Lion's Cub"
"KITCHEN83 CAFE Lion's Cub" is a restaurant that feels more like a café than a ramen shop. Located within the Work Plaza Katsuta facility, it offers a welcoming atmosphere that is easy for travelers from abroad to enter. The restaurant has 40 seats, providing a calm space where you can enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace. You can also visit just for drinks, making it a great spot for a break outside of meal times.
Chicken Paitan Ramen – A rich yet light exquisite flavor.
Chicken paitan ramen is characterized by its rich and creamy broth that beautifully captures the essence of chicken. Although it may appear heavy at first glance, you'll find that it has a smooth texture with a light aftertaste, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through in a well-balanced bowl. This dish is sure to satisfy both those seeking a robust chicken paitan experience and newcomers trying it for the first time.
Chicken Amber Ramen – A bowl filled with a clear and delicious umami flavor.
On the other hand, the Chicken Amber Ramen is a striking dish with its clear, amber-colored broth, just as the name suggests. This soup is based on the rich flavors of chicken, and when paired with thin noodles, it offers a deep taste in every bite. The salty notes of soy sauce enhance the overall flavor of the broth, creating a light and gentle impression that is especially recommended for those looking to experience a delicate Japanese soup. The thin noodles provide a smooth texture that complements the broth beautifully.
If you're having trouble deciding between chicken white broth and chicken amber, we recommend sharing!
These two types of ramen each have their own unique charm.
Chicken paitan is a rich and satisfying soup, while chicken kohaku offers a clear umami flavor with a light taste. Both are of such high quality that you might find yourself wondering, "Which one is the right choice?" In such cases, we recommend sharing with friends or family to compare the two. It’s a wonderful way to experience the depth of Japan's ramen culture!
Access and Opening Hours for "Lion's Child"
KITCHEN83 CAFE Lion's Cub is located about a 6-minute drive from JR Katsuta Station, inside the Work Plaza Katsuta. The café is open for lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and it is closed on Mondays (if a holiday falls on a Monday, it will be closed the following day). There is also parking available, making it easily accessible by car as well as public transportation.
When you think of Japanese flavors, it's not just about eating ramen; it's also about experiencing the joy of choosing and the depth of taste. When you visit Hitachinaka City, be sure to enjoy both the chicken paitan and chicken kohaku at "KITCHEN83 CAFE Lion's Child." It will surely be an unforgettable lunch experience!