Hakata Gensuke Hawthorn

This is the second location for ramen shop Hakata Gensuke, which first sprang up in the CBD.

On top of its usual menu of four ramen: signature tonkotsu, black sesame, scorching God Fire and shio salt-based tonkotsu ramen, this second branch offers exclusive dishes such as the Aka Tonkotsu Ramen (a mixture of spicy cod roe paste and the original broth) and Mentai Gohan (Japanese pearl steamed rice topped with spicy cod roe).

The spicy cod roe (mentaiko) is the hero ingredient at Hakata Gensuke and is a staple dish in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka. Originally from Korea, it adds extra spice and umami into any meal. Some love it so much they even eat it with pasta.

This branch fits twice as many patrons than the Russell Street branch does, which means shorter queues and less time waiting for the silky pork bone goodness in a bowl.