Muroran curry ramen, a beloved dish from Muroran in Hokkaido, offers a unique twist on traditional ramen with its rich, flavorful curry soup and curly, medium-thick noodles. Over the years, it has gained nationwide recognition, partly thanks to a popular radio mention. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the history, flavors, and cultural significance of this ramen dish, so keep reading to discover why it’s such a beloved dish in Japan.
What is Muroran Curry ramen?
Hokkaido, renowned for its local ramen varieties, with Sapporo’s miso, Hakodate’s salt, and Asahikawa’s soy sauce ramen collectively known as “Hokkaido’s three great ramen.” Recently, a fourth contender, Muroran Curry Ramen, has been gaining attention. In Muroran, around 50 ramen shops exist, and approximately 60% of them serve this flavorful curry ramen. This ramen dish is distinguished by its rich curry soup that pairs perfectly with ramen, Hokkaido’s signature medium-thick curly noodles, and various toppings such as assorted vegetables, roasted pork, and seaweed.
Muroran Curry ramen History
Muroran curry ramen, though not originally from Muroran, was born in Tomakomai at the restaurant “Aji no Daio Sohonten.” An apprentice from this restaurant learned the recipe and introduced it to Muroran, where it struggled initially against the more popular miso ramen. However, as curry ramen’s hearty, spicy nature appealed to factory workers, it slowly gained popularity. Its fame grew nationwide in 1999 after Natsumi Abe, a former member of the idol group Morning Musume, recommended it on a radio show. This sparked a wave of fans visiting Muroran, and the local government, aiming to revitalize the town, supported the promotion of curryramen. In 2006, the creation of the “Muroran Curry Ramen Association” further solidified its reputation, ensuring its status as a beloved local dish.
FAQ
- What are the characteristics of Muroran Curry Ramen?
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It is characterized by its spicy and thick curry soup. It pairs well with the curly noodles unique to Hokkaido, and the ingredients often include chashu, menma, bean sprouts, and wakame.
- Where can I eat MuroranCurry ramen?
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There are many ramen shops in Muroran City, and more than half of the approximately 50 shops offer curry ramen. Especially popular are “Aji no Daiou Muroran Main Store” and “Gentlemen Noodle”.
- Where does Muroran Curry ramen come from?
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It is a local gourmet dish that was born in Muroran City. While there are various theories about the specific shop of origin, it is a dish that has uniquely evolved in local ramen shops.
Muroran Curry ramen Restaurants
Aji no Daio Muroran (味の大王室蘭本店)
This restaurant is the originator of Muroran curry ramen. Locals unanimously recommend it, saying, “If you want this ramen dish, this is the place!” The storefront, featuring a red motif and unchanged for nearly 50 years, exudes a sense of dignity. The curry ramen stands out with its moderately thick soup and uniquely curly, medium-thick noodles. The pork shoulder roast pork is also a popular dish.
Rantan-tei (蘭たん亭)
The menu is extensive and offers a variety of dishes, including the regular curry ramen, a summer limited cold curry ramen, and curry miso ramen. Most notably, they have developed an original spice blend (combining 8 types of spices such as garam masala and cumin) that allows customers to adjust the heat to their liking. With its creatively designed menu, it is popular with both locals and tourists.
Summary
If you ever find yourself in Japan, we hope you’ll have the chance to try Muroran curry ramen for yourself. This hearty and spicy ramen, originally born from a Tomakomai restaurant, has become a local favorite, particularly among factory workers. With its rich, flavorful curry broth and unique noodles, it’s no wonder that it has captured the hearts of so many. Whether you’re visiting Muroran or enjoying it at a restaurant elsewhere, experiencing this local delicacy is sure to be a memorable culinary adventure. Don’t miss out on this delicious slice of Hokkaido!
If you enjoyed learning about this ramen dish, we highly recommend exploring other unique Japanese ramen varieties like Sapporo Miso Ramen and Hakata Ramen, to further immerse yourself in Japan’s rich ramen culture.
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