Last updated: December 31, 2025
Forget Ramen: Try Shiga’s Omi Champon in Kyoto at Chanpontei
If you love ramen but want to try something truly local during your trip to Kyoto, Omi Champon is the perfect discovery. Originally from neighboring Shiga Prefecture, this light yet flavorful noodle dish offers a completely different experience from the rich ramen bowls most travelers know. And the best place to try it in Kyoto is Chanpontei — a popular restaurant that brings Shiga’s regional comfort food right into the heart of the city.
What Is Omi Champon?
A Shiga‑Born Local Noodle Dish
Omi Champon is a regional noodle dish that originated in Shiga Prefecture, just northeast of Kyoto. Unlike the more widely known Nagasaki champon, Omi Champon was created as a simple, comforting meal for local workers. It features a clear, soy‑seasoned broth enhanced with Japanese‑style dashi, filled with stir‑fried vegetables, thin noodles, and a gentle, home‑style flavor. Today, it remains one of Shiga’s most beloved local foods — and thanks to Chanpontei, you can enjoy it right here in Kyoto.
How It Differs From Nagasaki Champon
Although they share the same name, Omi Champon and Nagasaki Champon are quite different.
Nagasaki champon uses thick noodles and a rich, creamy pork‑based broth, often topped with seafood.
Omi Champon, on the other hand, is much lighter: it uses a clear, dashi‑based broth, thinner noodles, and a vegetable‑forward topping. The result is a cleaner, more refreshing taste that appeals to travelers who prefer something less heavy than typical ramen or creamy champon styles.
Why It’s Lighter Than Ramen
One of the biggest surprises for ramen lovers is how light Omi Champon feels.
Its broth is made with a gentle soy seasoning combined with a Japanese‑style dashi base, rather than heavy pork bones. The addition of plenty of cabbage, onions, and other vegetables creates a clean, balanced flavor. This makes Omi Champon a great choice when you want a warm, satisfying bowl of noodles without the richness of tonkotsu or miso ramen.
Perfect for Travelers Looking for Local Comfort Food
For visitors exploring Kyoto, Omi Champon offers a chance to try something truly local and lesser‑known. It’s comforting, easy to eat, and approachable even for those new to Japanese cuisine. Because it’s packed with vegetables and has a clean, gentle flavor, it’s a perfect “comfort bowl” after a long day of sightseeing. And since it’s originally from nearby Shiga, enjoying it in Kyoto feels like discovering a regional secret that most tourists never experience.
Chanpontei in Kyoto: Locations, Menu, and How to Visit
📍 Location
The most convenient Chanpontei branch for travelers is located near central Kyoto. You can find it easily on Google Maps:
📍 All Kyoto Branches
🍜 Recommended Menu Items
- Omi Champon The signature dish features a light, Japanese‑style dashi broth filled with cabbage, onions, and other vegetables. It’s flavorful yet easy to finish, even on days when you want something lighter than ramen.
- Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) Crispy and juicy, it pairs perfectly with the clean, dashi‑forward champon broth.
🧾 How to Order (Ticket Machine System)
Chanpontei uses a ticket machine at the entrance:
- Choose your dish on the machine
- Pay with cash or IC card
- Hand the ticket to the staff
This system makes ordering easy even if you don’t speak Japanese.
Note: Some branches do not accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) or QR code payments. It’s recommended to bring cash to ensure a smooth ordering experience.
Final Thoughts: A Must‑Try Noodle for Ramen Lovers
If you love ramen and want to explore something new during your trip to Kyoto, Omi Champon is a perfect addition to your noodle journey in Japan. Its light, vegetable‑rich broth offers a refreshing contrast to the heavier ramen styles most travelers are familiar with, making it an ideal choice when you want comfort without feeling weighed down. Chanpontei brings this Shiga‑born dish right into the heart of Kyoto, giving you an easy and delicious way to experience a regional specialty that many visitors overlook. Whether you’re a dedicated ramen fan or simply curious about local flavors, Omi Champon is a bowl worth adding to your Kyoto food itinerary.