Ramen showdown: Ryusenso Kara vs Asari at Dongseong-ro, Daegu

I hadn't been downtown in a while and was craving ramen, so I stopped by this place. I wasn't sure what to order and just wanted a light meal, but the menu turned out to be more varied than I expected, and the flavors were solid — a satisfying visit overall.

Weekend parking in Dongseong-ro: ended up walking

Parking in Dongseong-ro on a weekend was really tough. I tried the Gukchaebosang Park lot closest to the restaurant first, but the line at the entrance was so long I couldn't even get in. The nearby paid lots were all full too, so after circling around a few places I finally parked at the 'Dongseong-ro parking lot' and walked to the restaurant. When I finally reached the entrance, I was so relieved 🥹 Next time I'm definitely leaving the car at home! Hope you all avoid the parking chaos I went through...

With an even emptier stomach and a happy heart, I walked into the restaurant.

Atmosphere and seating

The restaurant has an open kitchen with a bar table and regular tables. The two of us sat at a table for four.

True to a well-known Dongseong-ro ramen spot, the waiting zone is well set up. Last time I passed by, this spot was packed with people waiting shoulder to shoulder — but the day I visited, I got lucky and was seated right away. By the time we were eating, though, the place had filled up completely.

The restroom is located indoors, which is convenient.

What we ordered

• Ryusenso Kara (spice level 3) + extra chashu
• Ryusenso Asari (spicy)
• 2 fried shrimp

We each ordered one bowl of ramen and added a side to share. (I really wanted a draft beer but couldn't since we drove... in more ways than one, Dongseong-ro is not a place to drive to.)

🍜 Ryusenso Kara (Hakata-style spicy tonkotsu ramen)

This is a Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with added spice, and even at spice level 3 it was surprisingly not overwhelming — just the right amount of heat. Since I usually like spicy food, I feel like I'd order the same level 3 again next time. Also, adding chashu (braised pork belly) to this ramen is basically essential!! I love chashu anyway, but the chashu itself was so tender and flavorful that I definitely felt good about adding it. Truly worthy of being a well-known Dongseong-ro ramen spot~!

🍜 Ryusenso Asari (clam soy-sauce ramen)

This is a Sapporo-style soy-sauce ramen made with clam broth and a special tare (sauce), and the broth felt much cleaner compared to the Kara. The noodles are different too — the Asari comes with medium-thick noodles. I ordered it spicy, and the heat actually brought out even more umami — personally, I was very satisfied with this one too!! I think adding chashu here would make it even better.

On the table were pepper, shichimi, minced garlic, and more, with a note saying to add them to taste, so I added pepper and minced garlic. Adding the garlic definitely brought out more depth and made the flavor richer.

🍤 Fried shrimp

I debated between karaage and fried shrimp, and went with the shrimp — it turned out to be surprisingly satisfying, with plump, generous shrimp inside. A great side to pair with ramen, highly recommend!!!

Kara or Asari — which should you pick?

Since both ramens are quite rich in flavor, I kept reaching for the pickled ginger haha. There was pickled mustard leaf too, but I was too busy eating the ginger to try it ㅠㅠ We came in just wanting a light meal, but ended up having fun comparing two different styles of ramen — a satisfying visit overall.

• ✔️ Kara has a rich, spicy tonkotsu feel
• ✔️ Asari has a clean, seafood-based feel
• Pick whichever suits your taste.

‼️ Pro tip: check the restaurant's Naver homepage — there's a free ramen topping coupon, so make sure to use it and enjoy an even better bowl of ramen!

I'd definitely be happy to come back whenever I'm craving Dongseong-ro ramen again 👍