FREE-MEN

Let me introduce a popular local tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen shop! 😌
It’s called “FREE-MEN,” located at 1-28-3 Murasaki, Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture. ‼️
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The owner opened this shop in 2021 to express his own unique flavor after spending years mastering tonkotsu ramen at the famous Hakata Ippudo. 🍜
The soup is carefully simmered from pork skulls and leg bones; it is completely free of any unpleasant odor while delivering a rich, robust bone-based flavor. Rather than relying on salt or excess oil, the shop pursues the true, natural umami of the pork bones. ‼️
The menu features standard tonkotsu, a rich “koku-uma” tonkotsu, tonkotsu tantanmen, and even weekday-exclusive noodle dishes.
This time, I tried the Chashu Tonkotsu Tantanmen! ‼️
The tonkotsu tantanmen features a soup packed with spicy kick and savory depth—enhanced by the richness of the pork bone broth. With a subtle sesame flavor and a spicy profile that hits the spot, it was absolutely delicious for a spice lover like me. 😍
It is truly delicious. 😌
The medium-thin noodles are made in-house; they offer a firm, satisfying chew and pair perfectly with the soup. ‼️
The slow-roasted *chashu* (pork) is tender and juicy, packed with rich flavor. ‼️
Their *karaage* (Japanese fried chicken) is also a popular favorite, enjoyed by many as either a standalone dish or part of a bento box. 😌
This *tonkotsu* ramen—which continues to evolve—is a dish I highly recommend. ‼️