Kushiro ramen is a beloved local dish from Hokkaido, known for its thin, curly noodles and light soy sauce-based broth. Its simple yet flavorful combination, often topped with roast pork and green onions, offers a comforting taste that reflects Kushiro’s rich food culture. Curious about what makes this ramen so special? Keep reading to discover the story and flavors behind Kushiro ramen!
What is Kushiro ramen?
Kushiro ramen is a local Hokkaido gourmet dish, can be enjoyed mainly around Kushiro city in eastern Hokkaido. It features thin, curly noodles served in a light soy sauce-based broth. The toppings are simple yet satisfying, typically including roast pork, Chinese chikuwa, and green onions. This combination of the delicate broth and distinctive noodles is known for being a flavor you can enjoy endlessly without growing tired of it. People consider this dish the fourth ramen in Hokkaido, following the famous Sapporo ramen, Asahikawa ramen, and Hakodate ramen.
Kushiro ramen History
The exact origins of Kushiro ramen are unclear, but one theory suggests it began in the early 1900s when a chef from Yokohama served “shina soba” at a Chinese restaurant in Kushiro. As Kushiro’s fishing industry grew, ramen food stalls emerged around the port to serve busy fishermen, peaking around 1950. These stalls eventually disappeared in the late 1900s due to land use restrictions, giving way to permanent ramen shops. Kushiro ramen’s thin noodles and light broth likely developed to accommodate fishermen’s need for quick, easily prepared meals, with thin noodles boiling faster and blending well with the light soup.
Kushiro ramen Restaurants
Kawamura (河むら)
Since its founding in 1989, two generations of the Kawamura family have run the restaurant, and they are strongly committed to serving traditional Kushiro ramen. The menu features not only soy sauce ramen but also salt and miso options, with extra toppings like additional pork and wontons available. The highlight is the traditional Kushiro soy sauce ramen, making it the perfect choice for first-time visitors.
Maruhira (まるひら)
Maruhira” is a long-established ramen restaurant founded in 1959. As you sip the soup, the gentle flavor of bonito flakes softly spreads and lingers in your nose. Its refined, pleasant aroma resembles soba broth with rich dashi or the clear soup often served in Japanese cuisine. The light, delicate taste makes it easy to enjoy, even in the morning, without feeling heavy.
Conclusion
Kushiro ramen offers a unique and comforting taste that reflects the warmth and charm of Hokkaido’s local food culture. If you have the chance to visit Japan, don’t miss out on trying this delicious bowl of ramen. Be sure to find a local shop and experience the light, flavorful broth and thin, curly noodles for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!
If you enjoyed learning about Kushiro ramen, be sure to explore other unique Japanese cuisines such as Hakodate Ramen and Asahikawa ramen for more delicious flavors!
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