Hakodate is the only city in all of Japan that is solely known for its Shio Ramen. And Hakodate Ramen Mame-san is arguably the most popular. With humble beginnings as a yatai in the late 60's, Mame-san has had a rough past that resulted in closure then resurrection. Today's Mame-san is considered "new", but it maintains all the ingredients from the original. With two types of noodles and a refined shio ramen, it's undoubtedly a hit among locals and tourists alike.
From Hakodate Station head southwest towards the morning market and in the direction of Mt. Hakodate. It's about a 15-minute walk over a span of 15 blocks. It'll be on your left side. There's a ticket machine here so just punch in what you want to order and wait to be seated. I recommend the shio ramen only cuz Hakodate is all about the shio. If you like squid stuffed with rice, get the Ikameshi combo. It's open everyday from 11am to 8pm.
Other sites that mention Hakodate Ramen Mame-san:
Showing posts with label Japan-Hokkaido. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan-Hokkaido. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku (札幌らーめん共和国) - Sapporo Station, ESTA Building 10F
If you don't get a chance to leave Sapporo (or the station for that matter), the 10th floor of the ESTA building, within the confines of Sapporo Station, has a ramen park called Sapporo Ramen Kyowakoku. It is here that you'll find 8 ramen shops from around Hokkaido ready to serve the best ramen in perhaps all of Japan. Choose carefully and vote wisely.
The 8 shops will change every year or so depending upon your vote. The current lineup as of April 2009 can be found here. There's also a gift shop where you can find all of your ramen goodies. It's the next best thing to traveling throughout Hokkaido for ramen.
The 8 shops will change every year or so depending upon your vote. The current lineup as of April 2009 can be found here. There's also a gift shop where you can find all of your ramen goodies. It's the next best thing to traveling throughout Hokkaido for ramen.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Nitori No Keyaki Susukino (にとりのけやき すすきの本店) - Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan (Hokkaido)
When the shopkeeper (店主) claims to reach all 5 of your senses with his ramen, it better be darn good. And darn good it was! The soup is made with pig fists, back fat, several vegetables, and special free-range chicken from Niigata. It is then boiled for at least 10 hours depending on the day. The noodles are your typical Sapporo-style that can withstand the heat. All of this combined with their 3-miso blend is what they call a miso ramen specialty shop. In other words, you'll only find miso ramen here. In all there is a regular miso ramen, miso corn butter ramen, chashu miso ramen, spicy miso ramen, negi miso ramen, and garlic miso ramen. I had the miso corn butter ramen. It was very smooth.
From Susukino Station (Namboku Line) walk three blocks South and make a left. It'll be on your right. It's exactly one block South of the Ramen Alley. Open everyday from 10:30am to 4am. Grab a seat and wait for the dude to take your order.
Other sites that mention Keyaki Susukino Honten:
From Susukino Station (Namboku Line) walk three blocks South and make a left. It'll be on your right. It's exactly one block South of the Ramen Alley. Open everyday from 10:30am to 4am. Grab a seat and wait for the dude to take your order.
Other sites that mention Keyaki Susukino Honten:
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sumire Honten (すみれ 札幌本店) - Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Japan (Hokkaido)
As you may already know, Sapporo is known for their miso ramen. And miso ramen may as well be synonymous with Sumire. If you're in the vicinity, then the Sumire Honten (headquarters) is a MUST visit. Don't care much for miso? Then get ready to be blown away! You WILL burn your tongue and you WILL like it. The thin layer of oil keeps everything scorching hot and the tantalizingly tangy miso is unbelievable.
The closest station is Nakanoshima on the Namboku Subway Line. From there take Nakanoshima Street south and follow the bend to the left until you hit the next main street. Cross it, make a left then follow it until you see a small road that goes down parallel to the main street. Sumire will be at the end. There's plenty of parking and plenty of seats. They open at 11am and close at 9pm.
Other sites that mention Sumire Honten:
The closest station is Nakanoshima on the Namboku Subway Line. From there take Nakanoshima Street south and follow the bend to the left until you hit the next main street. Cross it, make a left then follow it until you see a small road that goes down parallel to the main street. Sumire will be at the end. There's plenty of parking and plenty of seats. They open at 11am and close at 9pm.
Other sites that mention Sumire Honten:
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Aji No Karyu (味の華龍) - Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan (Hokkaido)
Located within the Sapporo Ramen Alley, Aji No Karyu is known for its "Real Sapporo Ramen." No doubt an excellent Miso Ramen, you won't be disappointed with this one. And if you want to experience some great Hokkaido seafood at the same time, there's a ramen for that too.
Take the Nanboku line to Susukino Station. From there it's just a 2-minute walk south and to your left. It's the first shop on your left when you enter the Sapporo Ramen Alley from the front entrance. Grab a seat and give the chef your order.
Other sites that mention Aji No Karyu:
Take the Nanboku line to Susukino Station. From there it's just a 2-minute walk south and to your left. It's the first shop on your left when you enter the Sapporo Ramen Alley from the front entrance. Grab a seat and give the chef your order.
Other sites that mention Aji No Karyu:
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sapporo Ramen Alley (札幌 ラーメン横丁) - Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan (Hokkaido)
With roots dating back to 1951, Sapporo's Ramen Alley in Susukino is inexplicably one of the best places to visit on this Earth. Okay so I'm a bit biased when I say that, but this alley is home to some of the best miso ramen in the world. With a total of 17 (yes 17!) ramen shops lining both sides of the alley, you can easily become overwhelmed when making your decision. But fear not, there's a reason why each one is here so just start from one end and make your way to the back.
The lineup:
The lineup:
- Aji No Karyu (味の華龍)
- Aji No RaiRai-Ken (味の来々軒)
- Higuma (ひぐま)
- Toraya (とらや食堂)
- Nidaeme Banraiken (二代目 萬来軒)
- Ojiji (おぢぢ)
- Teshikaga (弟子屈)
- Manryu (満龍)
- Musashi (武蔵)
- Shirakabasansou (白樺山荘)
- Kuninitsu (國光)
- Tomiya (富屋)
- Kunakichi (熊吉)
- Tenho (天鳳)
- Kiryu (喜龍)
- Yoshino (よし乃)
- Kera An (けらあん) Shops are subject to change.
Asahikawa Ramen Village (旭川 ラーメン村) - Nagayama, Asahikawa, Japan (Hokkaido)
Built in 1996 to pay tribute to the best ramen that Asahikawa city has to offer, the Asahikawa Ramen Village (ラーメン村) brings together 8 proud ramen shops in one convenient location. Yes, all of these ramen-ya's can be found within the city, but where else can you circle them all in less than a minute. AND there's even a ramen shrine that (I've heard) holds wedding ceremonies. How cool is that! I didn't get a chance to eat at any of the shops, but I know someday I will...
The lineup:
The lineup:
- Raumen Aoba (らうめん青葉)
- Ittetsu-an Matsuda (いってつ庵まつ田) menu | video
- Ishida (いし田) menu | video
- Ramenya Tenkin (らーめんや天金) menu | video
- Ramen Santouka (らーめん山頭火) menu | video
- Saijo (さいじょう) menu | video
- Ichikura (一蔵) menu | video
- Baikoken (梅光軒) menu | video
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ramen House Aoba (らうめん青葉) - 2Jodori, Asahikawa, Japan (Hokkaido)
Ramen (or Raumen) House Aoba is the oldest ramen shop in Asahikawa. It reaches 3 generations deep and while the rest of the city has embraced the influx of tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, Aoba has stayed true to its roots with a pure assari-kei shoyu ramen made with the freshest blend of land and sea. You won't find any tonkotsu in this soup, which consists mainly of torigara, konbu, and various vegetables. The noodles are made fresh and it shows. If you're lucky, you may even get to sit down and chat with the ramen master--Murayama-san.
From Asahikawa Station head East away from the main shopping street and take a left on the next big street heading North. Walk five blocks and it'll be on your left. It's about five minutes from the station. They open at 9:30am and close at 10pm (9:30pm on Sundays). They are closed on Wednesdays. Grab a seat and try to embrace the history.
Other sites that mention Asahikawa Raumen Aoba:
From Asahikawa Station head East away from the main shopping street and take a left on the next big street heading North. Walk five blocks and it'll be on your left. It's about five minutes from the station. They open at 9:30am and close at 10pm (9:30pm on Sundays). They are closed on Wednesdays. Grab a seat and try to embrace the history.
Other sites that mention Asahikawa Raumen Aoba:
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ramen Santouka Honten (らーめん山頭火 旭川本店) - 1Jodori, Asahikawa, Japan (Hokkaido)
Many of you regard Santouka as "The Best Ramen in LA!" While that may be true, wait until you try the original location in Asahikawa! It's not in a mini-mall, it's not in a food court, and it's not in a Mitsuwa. Although the "secret white soup" may not differ much in flavor, the freshness is immediately realized and it WILL make you smile. I only wish I could've tried everything else on the menu. The toppings were all 10x better than what I've had in the States and the noodles did not disappoint.
From Asahikawa Station head East away from the main shopping street and take a left on the next big street. Walk one block and you'll see it on the left. It's barely a minute from the station. They open at 9:30am and close at midnight. If you go when they open, the toroniku might not be ready yet so just an FYI. Have a seat and wait for them to take your order. For lunch, they offer a free rice ball and salted plum. Make sure you only take one of each...hehe.
Other sites that mention Santouka Asahikawa Honten:
From Asahikawa Station head East away from the main shopping street and take a left on the next big street. Walk one block and you'll see it on the left. It's barely a minute from the station. They open at 9:30am and close at midnight. If you go when they open, the toroniku might not be ready yet so just an FYI. Have a seat and wait for them to take your order. For lunch, they offer a free rice ball and salted plum. Make sure you only take one of each...hehe.
Other sites that mention Santouka Asahikawa Honten:
Ramen No Hachiya (ラーメンの蜂屋) - 5Jodori, Asahikawa, Japan (Hokkaido)
If you ask anyone about Ramen No Hachiya, they either love it or hate it. Let me just say this: If you don't like a strong niboshi (fish) flavor, then you'll hate it. But if you like niboshi blended with tonkotsu-shoyu and burnt lard, you'll love it. I recommend going all out with the koi (strong) version of the Shoyu Ramen. It's pretty intense. The noodles are the typical starchy, thick, chewy type that Asahikawa is known for and they are delicious.
From Asahikawa Station head straight down the main shopping street (between all the department stores). After ten blocks make a left and it will be on your left. Just look for the big sign. There are two entrances: One from the alley called ふらりーと and the other from the small parking lot on the other side. Grab a seat and wait for them to take your order.
Other sites that mention Ramen No Hachiya:
From Asahikawa Station head straight down the main shopping street (between all the department stores). After ten blocks make a left and it will be on your left. Just look for the big sign. There are two entrances: One from the alley called ふらりーと and the other from the small parking lot on the other side. Grab a seat and wait for them to take your order.
Other sites that mention Ramen No Hachiya:
Monday, May 25, 2009
Ramenya Tenkin (らーめんや天金) - 4Jodori, Asahikawa, Japan (Hokkaido)
If I had to choose a favorite from my recent trip, Ramenya Tenkin would be very near the top. A two-day process of boiling pork bones (豚骨) and chicken bones (鶏がら) defines this top-notch soup. Add some thick shoyu that's derived from the chashu making process and viola!...The signature Asahikawa-style Shoyu Ramen is born. Almost everyone I talked to said Tenkin was their favorite. And that's some high praise in a city filled with great ramen shops on almost every corner. You get a free bowl of rice during lunch, but if you want to avoid the crowds I recommend you go around 2 or 3.
From Asahikawa Station head right away from the main shopping street and take a left on the next big street. It's the street where you see all the taxi drivers entering their parking lot. Head north away from the station for seven blocks then make a right. Ramenya Tenkin will be on your left. Grab a seat and place an order with the waitress. They are open from 11am-9pm and closed on holidays.
Other sites that mention Ramenya Tenkin:
From Asahikawa Station head right away from the main shopping street and take a left on the next big street. It's the street where you see all the taxi drivers entering their parking lot. Head north away from the station for seven blocks then make a right. Ramenya Tenkin will be on your left. Grab a seat and place an order with the waitress. They are open from 11am-9pm and closed on holidays.
Other sites that mention Ramenya Tenkin:
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Kushiro Ramen Kawamura (釧路ラーメン河むら) - Suehirocho, Kushiro, Japan (Hokkaido)
After 20 years of ramen training, the owner of Kushiro Ramen Kawamura finally set out to make a name for himself. He claims that his ramen has a flavor you can't get sick of even if you ate it everyday. The respectable shoyu ramen is a "simple" blend of torigara and onion that results in a refreshing (さっぱり) taste. The noodles are not homemade but "custom-ordered." It's quite possibly the most recognized and most recommended ramen-ya in all of Kushiro, but don't expect it to blow you away. It's billed as an "orthodox" shoyu ramen and is just that. I can eat it everyday, can you?
From Kushiro Station head nine blocks directly south on Kitaodori (the main street leading to the river). Make a left on the street AFTER the big intersection where the 44 and 38 meet. In another block and a half, Kawamura will appear on your left. Walk in and place your order after taking a seat. They are closed on Mondays.
Other sites that mention Kushiro Ramen Kawamura:
From Kushiro Station head nine blocks directly south on Kitaodori (the main street leading to the river). Make a left on the street AFTER the big intersection where the 44 and 38 meet. In another block and a half, Kawamura will appear on your left. Walk in and place your order after taking a seat. They are closed on Mondays.
Other sites that mention Kushiro Ramen Kawamura:
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Kushiro Ramen Ginsui (釧路ラーメン銀水) - Suehirocho, Kushiro, Japan (Hokkaido)
Kushiro Ramen Ginsui is the kind of ramen-ya you would want in your neighborhood. The kind where you can relax, chat with old friends, and eat some great food. The shoyu ramen here is key, but I've heard the shio, miso, and pirikara aren't bad either. I ordered the Shoyu Chashu Men where you can choose between two types of chashu--fatty or lean. Of course I chose fatty and was surprised by its moist crunch. If you like an oily shoyu ramen made with torigara, katsuo, and konbu then you've definitely come to the right place. This IS Hokkaido!
From Kushiro Station head nine blocks directly south on Kitaodori (the main street leading to the river). Make a left on the street AFTER the big intersection where the 44 and 38 meet. Then walk two more blocks and make a right. After another block you'll see Ginsui on your left. Wait to be seated and order from the waitress. They're open from 11am to midnight and closed on Wednesdays.
Some other sites that mention Kushiro Ramen Ginsui:
From Kushiro Station head nine blocks directly south on Kitaodori (the main street leading to the river). Make a left on the street AFTER the big intersection where the 44 and 38 meet. Then walk two more blocks and make a right. After another block you'll see Ginsui on your left. Wait to be seated and order from the waitress. They're open from 11am to midnight and closed on Wednesdays.
Some other sites that mention Kushiro Ramen Ginsui:
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Day 11 - Last call for crab. Bring on the beef!
I wasn't about to leave Hokkaido without trying some of their fresh seafood. And after spending a restless night in a haunted hotel, I couldn't wait for the morning market to open. Luckily, I found a place that let me in early. Hakodate is definitely a place for seafood, but don't you dare pass up the ramen either.
Four trains and six hours later, I finally arrived in Yonezawa. I thought it would be cold due to the higher elevation but it was actually quite hot. So hot that I had to change into a pair of shorts when I got to the hotel. Anyway, Yonezawa is a quiet, peaceful town that's similar to the town in Initial D. Although it's not Gunma, I bet there's a Fujuwara Tofu Shop somewhere close by. It also seems like every teenager drives a WRX. If that doesn't scream drift town I don't know what does. Yonezawa is most famous for their beef. Supposedly, it's better than the beef from that other city, but I wouldn't know. The town is also quite misleading. Don't ever trust the station map because everything here is further than it seems.
Although Ryushanhai is not typically refered to as being "Yonezawa Ramen", it wasn't something I wanted to pass up. This ramen is soulful and sinful with all the best intentions. The Karamiso is just incredible! I love this trip!
Yonezawa's traditional type is Shoyu. Sort of like this Shoyu Ramen from Ramen Wakou. It's very similar to Tokyo's Chuuka Soba, but has a distinct flavor from all that pepper. It's very light and absolutely refreshing. I'm not sure if the noodles were homemade, but they were the thin, curly kind.
Even though it made a huge dent in my wallet, I had to give it a try. The steak just melted in my mouth as if I had never even swallowed. Wow! It was incredibly tender.
Here are some more pics of the day. I may have a really hectic day with the trains tomorrow, so let's hope I don't get lost. Eventually I'll end the night back in Tokyo, so here's to my trip up north. Cheers!
Four trains and six hours later, I finally arrived in Yonezawa. I thought it would be cold due to the higher elevation but it was actually quite hot. So hot that I had to change into a pair of shorts when I got to the hotel. Anyway, Yonezawa is a quiet, peaceful town that's similar to the town in Initial D. Although it's not Gunma, I bet there's a Fujuwara Tofu Shop somewhere close by. It also seems like every teenager drives a WRX. If that doesn't scream drift town I don't know what does. Yonezawa is most famous for their beef. Supposedly, it's better than the beef from that other city, but I wouldn't know. The town is also quite misleading. Don't ever trust the station map because everything here is further than it seems.
Although Ryushanhai is not typically refered to as being "Yonezawa Ramen", it wasn't something I wanted to pass up. This ramen is soulful and sinful with all the best intentions. The Karamiso is just incredible! I love this trip!
Yonezawa's traditional type is Shoyu. Sort of like this Shoyu Ramen from Ramen Wakou. It's very similar to Tokyo's Chuuka Soba, but has a distinct flavor from all that pepper. It's very light and absolutely refreshing. I'm not sure if the noodles were homemade, but they were the thin, curly kind.
Even though it made a huge dent in my wallet, I had to give it a try. The steak just melted in my mouth as if I had never even swallowed. Wow! It was incredibly tender.
Here are some more pics of the day. I may have a really hectic day with the trains tomorrow, so let's hope I don't get lost. Eventually I'll end the night back in Tokyo, so here's to my trip up north. Cheers!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Day 10 - Hakodate...The City of Lights!
I took over 500 pictures today. With that said, I think it would be better to tell the story of Day 10 through pictures. Don't worry, it's not all 500.
Hakodate was a blast! I hope this slideshow allows you to see that too. Enjoy!
Hakodate was a blast! I hope this slideshow allows you to see that too. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day 8 - Asahikawa by day, Sapporo by night.
I woke up at 4 am to take those pictures I promised yesterday. With the sun about to rise in the distance, I witnessed Asahikawa's morning come alive. The road was slick with ice from last night's rain and the temperature was struggling to get back above freezing. It was cold, but it was so refreshing. Just being here felt like a dream. Rather than take the first train out to Sapporo, I stuck around to see more of the city and eventually made new friends. Asahikawa is a great place. I will be back someday.
I didn't plan on trying Santouka, but curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to see how it compared to the version we see in the States. Plus, they were open at 9:30am and I couldn't resist an escape from the cold. I ordered the Shio Ramen with an Ajitsuki Tamago. Both were indeed better than any other Santouka I've tried. Unfortunately their toroniku wasn't ready this early, but the regular chashu was 10x better than back home. It would have been nice to try the toroniku as well.
Asahikawa's Ramen Village (らーめん村) is a bit detached from the main city. There's not really an easy way to get here unless it's by car. And since all the ramen-ya's featured have main hubs within the city, there's also no reason to come unless your shopping at the nearby Costco-like stores. Or if you're just plain crazy like me and want to say you've been there. The round trip taxi ride cost me about $40. I planned on trying Aoba, but they were closed. So I basically spent $40 bucks to go buy a couple key chains...it was so worth it! Haha!
After returning to Asahikawa Station, I walked down to Aoba's main location and contemplated entering. I was thinking about saving my stomach for Sapporo, but after a few passes back and forth I finally decided to step in. Aoba is the oldest ramen-ya in Asahikawa. It's been around for 63 years. Their classic soup is a clean and refreshing shoyu made with ingredients from the mountains and sea. Upon finishing my bowl, I was approached by Murayama-san, the owner, and we ended up talking for an hour. At 75 years young, he explained how his father first opened this shop and passed it on to him. His son recently built his own shop in Singapore and today just happened to be opening day. Murayama-san was a very, very nice person. And that's a huge understatement. Talking with him felt like I was talking to my own grandpa. I can't reveal what else we talked about, but it eventually led to an invitation to stay at his home the next time I'm in town. Can you believe it? How cool is that!
After reluctantly leaving Asahikawa, I was on the express train back to Sapporo. Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan and it shows immediately after stepping off the train. It's very similar to Tokyo in it's pace and there are many places to see and many ramen to eat. Precisely why I'll be spending two nights here! I'm staying in the Susukino district where one of the best attractions on this side of the world exists...
The Ramen Alley!! ラーメン横丁！A block south of Susukino station, this alley features 17 ramen-ya's in a row! 17!! Two nights are not gonna be enough. There's also a New Ramen Alley one block North, but that only houses 5 ramen-ya's. With a ramen-ya on virtually every corner, I think I've finally arrived in ramen heaven. I've heard stories but I never imagined it to be like this. I'm overwhelmed...haha.
Without a clue on which one was best, I decided to just step into the first shop on the left from the south entrance. It was called Aji No Karyu. Sapporo is famous for their Miso Ramen so of course that was what I ordered. My first sip was full of excitement. I instantly understood why many people say how Sapporo has the best ramen. Although I won't be too quick to make that claim myself, this miso ramen definitely had a hypnotizing effect. With plenty of moyashi, it also tasted very healthy.
Time to get some rest. I'm not leaving Sapporo without visiting the Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum either. So tomorrow may be one helluva day! Ramen then beer!
I didn't plan on trying Santouka, but curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to see how it compared to the version we see in the States. Plus, they were open at 9:30am and I couldn't resist an escape from the cold. I ordered the Shio Ramen with an Ajitsuki Tamago. Both were indeed better than any other Santouka I've tried. Unfortunately their toroniku wasn't ready this early, but the regular chashu was 10x better than back home. It would have been nice to try the toroniku as well.
Asahikawa's Ramen Village (らーめん村) is a bit detached from the main city. There's not really an easy way to get here unless it's by car. And since all the ramen-ya's featured have main hubs within the city, there's also no reason to come unless your shopping at the nearby Costco-like stores. Or if you're just plain crazy like me and want to say you've been there. The round trip taxi ride cost me about $40. I planned on trying Aoba, but they were closed. So I basically spent $40 bucks to go buy a couple key chains...it was so worth it! Haha!
After returning to Asahikawa Station, I walked down to Aoba's main location and contemplated entering. I was thinking about saving my stomach for Sapporo, but after a few passes back and forth I finally decided to step in. Aoba is the oldest ramen-ya in Asahikawa. It's been around for 63 years. Their classic soup is a clean and refreshing shoyu made with ingredients from the mountains and sea. Upon finishing my bowl, I was approached by Murayama-san, the owner, and we ended up talking for an hour. At 75 years young, he explained how his father first opened this shop and passed it on to him. His son recently built his own shop in Singapore and today just happened to be opening day. Murayama-san was a very, very nice person. And that's a huge understatement. Talking with him felt like I was talking to my own grandpa. I can't reveal what else we talked about, but it eventually led to an invitation to stay at his home the next time I'm in town. Can you believe it? How cool is that!
After reluctantly leaving Asahikawa, I was on the express train back to Sapporo. Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan and it shows immediately after stepping off the train. It's very similar to Tokyo in it's pace and there are many places to see and many ramen to eat. Precisely why I'll be spending two nights here! I'm staying in the Susukino district where one of the best attractions on this side of the world exists...
The Ramen Alley!! ラーメン横丁！A block south of Susukino station, this alley features 17 ramen-ya's in a row! 17!! Two nights are not gonna be enough. There's also a New Ramen Alley one block North, but that only houses 5 ramen-ya's. With a ramen-ya on virtually every corner, I think I've finally arrived in ramen heaven. I've heard stories but I never imagined it to be like this. I'm overwhelmed...haha.
Without a clue on which one was best, I decided to just step into the first shop on the left from the south entrance. It was called Aji No Karyu. Sapporo is famous for their Miso Ramen so of course that was what I ordered. My first sip was full of excitement. I instantly understood why many people say how Sapporo has the best ramen. Although I won't be too quick to make that claim myself, this miso ramen definitely had a hypnotizing effect. With plenty of moyashi, it also tasted very healthy.
Time to get some rest. I'm not leaving Sapporo without visiting the Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum either. So tomorrow may be one helluva day! Ramen then beer!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day 7 - The cold clamor of Asahikawa...Lovely!
When the train first arrived at Asahikawa, I thought to myself "where the f*** am I?" And then I met the people, walked the city, ate the ramen, and instantly fell in love. Asahikawa is located roughly in the center of Hokkaido about an hour and a half northeast of Sapporo. It's mostly known for their contributions to art, wonderful festivals, and winter sports. It's a city surrounded by mountains and rivers, every bit in touch with nature. There's also a famous zoo that features polar bears and penguins among others. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go because they are closed until the end of April. I missed them by one day...zannen. The weather has been off-and-on rain since I arrived with some hail and now snow. Supposedly, it should clear up by tomorrow so I expect to take some more pics in the morning. Anyway, Asahikawa is an awesome city. I definitely wouldn't mind living here. As for their ramen, it's traditionally based on a pan-fried pork bone that's stewed in shochu for several hours. Could that explain why I'm feeling tipsy? Haha, j/k. But it could explain why I like it so much.
Ramenya Tenkin was recommended by several locals when I asked them where the best ramen-ya is. It's about a 10 minute walk from the station 7 blocks North on you're right. I ordered the shoyu ramen, which was a deep, rich shoyu blend that literally melted my soul. I swear, it's been one of the best yet! The chashu was a bit dry but had good flavor. I think I've come to realize that this is how the chashu should be. It doesn't have to melt in your mouth all the time. Sometimes dry is better. If I had more time, I think I'd go here again. The noodles were the thick Asahikawa style that I've come to love and every slurp maintained its worth.
Ramen No Hachiya is a familiar face when it comes to ramen. I've tried it a few times at the Raumen Museum but still wanted to try it first hand while in Asahikawa. I ordered the koi version of Shoyu Ramen. Hachiya is known for their heavy use of niboshi, so if you react adversely to a strong fish smell, then you may not want to try it. This kotteri version of shoyu ramen is very intense and inspiring. It almost makes me cry for more. But oddly enough, I feel like the Hachiya from the Raumen Museum is slightly better.
I plan to take more pics when the weather clears in the morning. But for now you can enjoy the pics I took today. See you tomorrow!
Ramenya Tenkin was recommended by several locals when I asked them where the best ramen-ya is. It's about a 10 minute walk from the station 7 blocks North on you're right. I ordered the shoyu ramen, which was a deep, rich shoyu blend that literally melted my soul. I swear, it's been one of the best yet! The chashu was a bit dry but had good flavor. I think I've come to realize that this is how the chashu should be. It doesn't have to melt in your mouth all the time. Sometimes dry is better. If I had more time, I think I'd go here again. The noodles were the thick Asahikawa style that I've come to love and every slurp maintained its worth.
Ramen No Hachiya is a familiar face when it comes to ramen. I've tried it a few times at the Raumen Museum but still wanted to try it first hand while in Asahikawa. I ordered the koi version of Shoyu Ramen. Hachiya is known for their heavy use of niboshi, so if you react adversely to a strong fish smell, then you may not want to try it. This kotteri version of shoyu ramen is very intense and inspiring. It almost makes me cry for more. But oddly enough, I feel like the Hachiya from the Raumen Museum is slightly better.
I plan to take more pics when the weather clears in the morning. But for now you can enjoy the pics I took today. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Day 6 - Welcome to Kushiro!
Kushiro is a city on the eastern edge of Hokkaido. It's a quiet town with a very laid back feel. The people seem to act much like the sea otters that swim in the nearby Kushiro river. They mind their own business and only appear in short stints. Everyone is friendly and will generously help if you ask. Their ramen is typically a light shoyu flavor made with chicken, katsuo, and onion. On this day, the cool, crisp air was perfect for it. Kushiro is also a great city to walk in. The various smells of fresh seafood and grilled fish fill the air.
The first ramen-ya I visited was Ginsui. Here I ordered the Shoyu Chashu Men--a favorite among the locals. It's a basic Kushiro-style ramen that was delicious. The soup provided a slight tanginess that was eloquently masked by the shoyu. In addition to the traditional ingredients, Ginsui also uses konbu. You also get to choose from two choices of chashu: fatty or not. I of course went with the fatty chashu and it was delightful. This might sound odd, but the fat almost crunched in my mouth as I bit into it. The noodles were very thin and flat without much texture, yet they matched the soup perfectly. Adding black pepper also gave it another level.
The second ramen-ya was recommended by the hotel receptionist. It was called Kushiro Ramen Kawamura. They also serve a traditional Kushiro-style ramen that is very light and pleasing to the palate. The chashu was a bit on the tough side, but housed some great flavoring. The noodles were virtually identical to Ginsui and once again matched the soup brilliantly.
Kushiro is definitely a relaxing, stress-free city and it is reflected in their ramen. I had a nice time here, even though it was only for one day. I even managed to take close to 300 pictures while walking around. But don't worry, I've narrowed it down to 69 for you all to see. Enjoy!
I'm exhausted and in need of some sleep. My train leaves for Asahikawa at 6:30am. So on this last note, goodnight Kushiro...
The first ramen-ya I visited was Ginsui. Here I ordered the Shoyu Chashu Men--a favorite among the locals. It's a basic Kushiro-style ramen that was delicious. The soup provided a slight tanginess that was eloquently masked by the shoyu. In addition to the traditional ingredients, Ginsui also uses konbu. You also get to choose from two choices of chashu: fatty or not. I of course went with the fatty chashu and it was delightful. This might sound odd, but the fat almost crunched in my mouth as I bit into it. The noodles were very thin and flat without much texture, yet they matched the soup perfectly. Adding black pepper also gave it another level.
The second ramen-ya was recommended by the hotel receptionist. It was called Kushiro Ramen Kawamura. They also serve a traditional Kushiro-style ramen that is very light and pleasing to the palate. The chashu was a bit on the tough side, but housed some great flavoring. The noodles were virtually identical to Ginsui and once again matched the soup brilliantly.
Kushiro is definitely a relaxing, stress-free city and it is reflected in their ramen. I had a nice time here, even though it was only for one day. I even managed to take close to 300 pictures while walking around. But don't worry, I've narrowed it down to 69 for you all to see. Enjoy!
I'm exhausted and in need of some sleep. My train leaves for Asahikawa at 6:30am. So on this last note, goodnight Kushiro...
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