Day 1150:
Kobe ramen!!!
Mokkosu (もっこす 総本店) in Okurayama is probably the most legendary shop in Kobe.
And when I found out that they were open 24 hours, there was only one thing I could think of...breakfast.
Chashu Ramen. Now this is Kobe ramen.
Yup, ramen for breakfast.
But at 9am...
It was a little much.
Bowl of Dreams!!!
When
Ueyama-san from
Shoki Ramen House (yes the same Shoki in Sacramento) called to tell me that he was opening a shop in Kobe I knew I had to come and help.
The soup is ready for the pre-open!!!
Now time for a test run.
Shoyu Ramen.
In a land full of thick tonkotsu based ramen, I think Kobe could use a light assari-kei.
After my morning bowl, this was definitely a welcome refreshment.
Want it spicy? Ueyama-san's homemade rayu paste will blow you away.
Gochisousamadeshita!
In the afternoon, I took a walk around town and discovered this Starbucks. Situated in an old home that was built in 1907, this was a Starbucks not like any other I've seen.
Along the hills of Kitano, many of these old-western-style buildings built by the earliest of foreign settlers were being preserved as museums. At 1000yen a piece to enter them...
I just decided to visit the Kitano Tenman Shrine.
And enjoy the view.
After returning to the shop, Kathy (Ueyama-san's wife) and I decided to go check out one of the most popular shops in the Kobe area.
Mendou Shuhari (麺道 しゅはり) near Rokkomichi Station was recommended by a friend and has been atop the rankings for years now.
They specialize in Shio Ramen (潮らあめん) that is a blend of pork, chicken, and dashi.
It was a very soothing bowl.
Without much time left in Kobe, I decided to squeeze in another bowl.
Kitanozaka Oku (北野坂 奥) is a relatively new shop that has been moving up the rankings.
Specializing in Tsukemen, it's similar to the Gyokai Tonkotsu style that has been popularized in Tokyo.
The soup was a bit sour, from too much katsuobushi, and the noodles were lacking a good chew. Most likely because they were made without kansui.
The layout of the kitchen, however, was impressive. I may try and copy this one day.
Otsukaresama!!!
Dinner time!!!
Bokkake Udon.
Curry Udon.
Okay I think I'm full now. Thank you so much Ueyama-san and family!! Good luck with the shop! 頑張ってください！
