In the quiet, rural landscape of Nakagawa City, just a 30-minute drive from the bustling center of Fukuoka, lies a ramen experience unlike any other. This is NakamuLab, a reservation-only ramen shop run out of a traditional Japanese house. For travelers seeking a unique and intimate dining adventure, this guide explains what makes NakamuLab a must-visit destination for its exquisite Tori Paitan (creamy chicken broth) ramen.
Contents
- Quick Facts
- The Concept: A “Secret” Noodle Lab
- Understanding Tori Paitan: Fukuoka’s Creamy Chicken Ramen
- The NakamuLab Experience: Tori Paitan Soba and Gyoza
- How to Visit This Hidden Gem
- Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Where to Stay Nearby
- FAQs
- Sources
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | Reservation is mandatory; book in advance via phone or SNS |
| Time Needed | 30-minute slots per reservation |
| Nearest Station | JR Hakata-Minami Station (requires a taxi or long walk) |
| Cost Range | ¥1,000 – ¥1,999 per person |
| Payment | QR Code payment accepted; Cash. No credit cards. |
| Crowd Level | Private (reservation only) |
| Accessibility | Limited; seating includes counter and a traditional Japanese room |
The Concept: A “Secret” Noodle Lab
NakamuLab, or “御忍び麺処 nakamuLab.” (Shinobi Mendokoro NakamuLab), translates to a “secret noodle place.” The name is fitting. Arriving at the address in Nakagawa City, you won’t find a typical restaurant storefront. Instead, you’ll see a quiet residential home with a small wooden sign . This is the genius of owner-chef Nakamura, who transformed a private residence into an exclusive 6-seat ramen destination.
Chef Nakamura honed his skills at a long-established tonkotsu ramen shop in Hakata before traveling the world to help open new branches. His dream was to create a ramen that could be enjoyed by people everywhere, including those who do not eat pork. This led him to perfect a chicken-based broth, moving away from Fukuoka’s famous pork-based tonkotsu . The result is a refined, globally-minded ramen served in a uniquely personal setting.
Understanding Tori Paitan: Fukuoka’s Creamy Chicken Ramen
While Fukuoka is synonymous with tonkotsu, Tori Paitan (鶏白湯) offers a different but equally satisfying experience. The name means “chicken white soup,” and it’s made by boiling chicken bones and vegetables for hours until the broth becomes milky, opaque, and rich in collagen .
The charm of Tori Paitan is its powerful yet mellow flavor, which can rival the punch of tonkotsu. The soup’s character can vary greatly, from frothy, emulsified versions to clearer styles, often customized with different soy sauces, seafood elements, or aromatic chicken oil (chiyu).
NakamuLab’s version is a masterclass in this style, focusing on pure, natural flavors without any MSG.
The NakamuLab Experience: Tori Paitan Soba and Gyoza
Upon entering, you are guided to one of the few seats available. The menu is concise, featuring three types of ramen: Tori Paitan Soba (¥780), Shoyu Soba (¥740), and Tantanmen (¥850). For a first visit, the Tori Paitan is highly recommended.
Your bowl arrives looking like a work of art. The creamy, cappuccino-like soup is beautifully presented with two kinds of chashu (pork and chicken), a slice of lemon, dried tomato, and komatsuna greens. The broth is velvety and coats the medium-thin noodles perfectly, delivering a deep, clean chicken flavor. The lemon and tomato add a bright acidity that cuts through the richness, making the soup incredibly drinkable to the last drop.
Alongside the ramen, the homemade Gyoza (4 pieces for ¥280) are a perfect companion. These pan-fried dumplings are juicy and flavorful, completing a truly memorable meal.
How to Visit This Hidden Gem
Visiting NakamuLab requires planning, as it is by reservation only. You must book your 30-minute slot in advance, either on the day of your visit or the day before.
•Reservation: Contact Chef Nakamura via phone (090-4358-1696) or through his social media channels to book a time.
•Location: The shop is located in a rural part of Nakagawa City. The nearest station is JR Hakata-Minami, but it is a considerable distance. Taking a taxi from the station or driving is the most practical way to get there. The address is 1067-8 Bessho, Nakagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture.
•Parking: There are about five parking spots available nearby .
Practical Tips for Your Visit
•Be Punctual: The 30-minute reservation slots are managed strictly to ensure each party has a private experience.
•Payment: Be prepared with cash or a QR code payment app, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.
•Group Size: With only a couple of counter seats and a small Japanese-style room, the space is best suited for solo diners, pairs, or small groups.
Where to Stay Nearby
As NakamuLab is in a residential area, accommodation is limited. Most visitors will be staying in central Fukuoka. The Hakata or Tenjin areas offer a wide range of hotels and provide the best base for exploring the wider Fukuoka region.
(This section may contain affiliate links. If you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
FAQs
Q: Why is it reservation-only?
A: The restaurant is a small, one-man operation in a private home. The reservation system ensures an intimate, uncrowded experience for every guest.
Q: Is the Tori Paitan ramen heavy?
A: While it is rich and creamy, it is not as heavy as some tonkotsu broths. The use of chicken and the absence of MSG create a clean, smooth flavor profile.
Q: Can I visit without a reservation?
A: No, walk-ins are not accepted. You must book in advance.
Q: Is there an English menu?
A: The menu is simple, and the owner is accustomed to international visitors. Pointing to “Tori Paitan Soba” will be easily understood.
Q: Is it worth the trip from Fukuoka City?
A: For ramen enthusiasts and those looking for a unique dining experience off the beaten path, the journey to NakamuLab is absolutely worth it.
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[1] Tabelog. (2026). NakamuLab. Retrieved from
[2] Nagatanoie. (n.d. ). Section 17: Shinobi Mendokoro nakamuLab. Retrieved from
This guide, written by our Japanese author Nobutoshi, offers a glimpse into one of Fukuoka’s most intriguing ramen shops. We hope you enjoy this secret, delicious corner of Nakagawa.
