Another day...another ramen adventure! Today's highlighted city is Yokohama, where a visit to the Shinyokohama Raumen Museum yielded a new flavor, the Sakura was out in full-bloom, and I finally got to try the infamous "Ie-Kei" Ramen. What do you say we just go straight to the slide show? Good, glad we all agree! ^_^
This is Harukiya's "Mukashi" (old-style) Chuuka Soba. It's a limited edition that's reserved for 60 bowls/day. Much lighter than the current version, this is the stuff that put Tokyo Ramen on the map!
These noodles have to be some of the best around. But let's not give out any awards until after my trip. I could definitely call this museum home.
Here's the current version of Harukiya's Chuuka Soba. My feelings have not changed.
The "Ie-Kei" Ramen seen below was eaten at Sugita-ya, a branch of the well-known Yoshimura-ya. Extremely rich in flavor, adding the green garlic produces another transformation. I warn you, this ramen is heavy and not for the faint of heart. But do give it a try if you think you're ready.
The soup and noodles can be customized to your liking. I chose normal for everything, but I did notice that the more popular choice for noodles was katamen (hard). I'd say 8 out of 10 people ordered it that way while I was sitting there.
So that was Yokohama. I'm still not sure what I'll be doing tomorrow. But there's one thing I do know, if I don't reserve my hotels in Hokkaido, I could be SOL in the snow!
Looks great Keizo! Did you pick up a YRM Renge spoon at the museum? I use mine on special occasions, haha. You could always crash at 24hr net cafes! Update your blog even.. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou only spent one day in Tokyo? What about Kudan Ikaruga, http://ramendb.supleks.jp/shop/82, (ranked #1 in all of Tokyo); and Kikuya, http://ramendb.supleks.jp/shop/6536, for some ice cream ramen?
ReplyDelete@Dennis: Yeah, those and mangakissa's will be my back up in case I'm stranded!
ReplyDelete@檀: Haha. I only spent one day in Yokohama. I'm still in Tokyo and might take you up on those recs! Tokyo is my hub so I'll have plenty of time in the middle and end of my trip.
Hi Keizo,
ReplyDeleteSubarashii! :) Both Ramen-yas look awesome! I can feel the difference in the Ramen (compared to So Cal) and I'm not even eating it with you (just looking at pictures)! :P
Keizo, you need to learn some recipes and open up a Ramen-ya when you get back. :)