Hello, ramen lovers! Today, we’re introducing you to the unique and delicious ramen of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. This area is home to some of Japan’s most distinctive and flavorful ramen varieties. Let’s explore four types of ramen beloved by locals.
– Table of Contents –
1. Onomichi Ramen(Hiroshima)
2. Tokushima Ramen
3. Tottori Beef Bone Ramen
4. Ube Ramen(Yamaguchi)
5. Summary
1. Onomichi Ramen : The Charm of Soy Sauce and Back Fat
Originating from Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi Ramen is characterized by its rich soy sauce-based broth. The complex, deep flavor comes from chicken bones and small fish, but what’s truly noteworthy is the minced back fat floating on the soup. This adds a rich texture and deeper taste to the entire dish. Flat noodles and melt-in-your-mouth char siu pork complete this local favorite. Try it while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea!
Recommended restaurants:
– Onomichi Ramen Maruboshi/ 2-8-16 Tsuchido, Onomichi City
– Tsutafuji/ 2-10-17 Tsuchido, Onomichi City
– Kukai/ 1-12-1 Tsuchido, Onomichi City
– Onomichi Ramen Ichibankan/ 2-9-26 Tsuchido, Onomichi City
Writer’s comment:
You might think it’s rich, but it’s surprisingly light. The taste is so good you can finish it in no time! It’s a mystery how you’ll want to eat it again soon after trying it once. After enjoying the ramen, please also enjoy the spectacular views and a stroll around the town!
2. Tokushima Ramen : The Power of Pork Bone and Bold Toppings
Tokushima Ramen from Shikoku’s Tokushima Prefecture comes in three varieties ; a sweet and spicy pork bone soy sauce-based brown broth, a light white broth, and a mild yellow broth. Its main attraction is the bold toppings. Generous slices of pork belly and a raw egg topping, rarely seen elsewhere, are the hallmarks of this ramen. The straight, chewy noodles pair well with the rich soup. The author’s personal recommendation is the classic brown broth, sweet and spicy ramen, also known as “Sukiyaki Ramen”!
Recommended restaurants:
– Inotani/ 4-25 Nishidaikumachi, Tokushima City
– Banri/ 2-11-3 Terashimahoncho-higashi, Tokushima City
– Ginza Ippuku/ 10 Ginza 1F, Tokushima City
– Rairai/ 1-8 Yaoyacho, Tokushima City
Writer’s comment:
The rich soup perfectly coats the pork belly, creating an exquisite flavor. With the addition of a raw egg to the sweet and savory taste, this is truly sukiyaki ramen! It’s a ramen that will definitely appeal to those who love strong flavors.
3. Tottori Beef Bone Ramen : Surprisingly Light and Refreshing
For a unique ramen experience, head to Tottori Prefecture. Tottori Beef Bone Ramen features a clear soup made from beef bones, rare in the ramen world. The soup, with its distinctive beefy aroma and umami, is surprisingly light and easy to eat despite its appearance. It’s a must-try for beef lovers, offering a different experience from typical pork bone-based ramen!
Recommended restaurants:
– Masumi/ 9-21-15 Nishifukuhara, Yonago City
– Menya Musou/ 6-3-3 Shinkai, Yonago City
– Ramen Goku/ 1096-3 Nishihara, Yodoe-cho, Yonago City
– Gyukotsu Ramen Raika/ 97-2 Abe, Yonago City
Writer’s comment:
It’s a light and refreshing ramen that’s the favorite of my child who doesn’t like oily foods. The atmosphere of a rural, casual ramen shop adds to its charm. Maybe it’s even more delicious because they use water from Mt. Daisen?
4. Ube Ramen : The Strong Character of Rich Pork Bone
In Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, there’s a little-known ramen with a strong personality. Ube Ramen is characterized by its cloudy, rich pork bone soup with a strong pork smell that divides opinions. It uses medium-thick, soft noodles that pair well with the rich soup. Its unique smell and taste are described as “kusauma” (smelly but delicious), creating an addictive flavor. Reasonably priced, it’s popular among locals and catching the attention of tourists.
Recommended restaurants:
– Ikkyuu/ 18-6 Matsushima-cho, Ube City
– Osakaya/ 1-3-10 Shinten-cho, Ube City
– Sanpei/ 17-6 Matsushima-cho, Ube City
Writer’s comment:
As introduced, it’s really stinky and delicious! At first, I was surprised by its strong punch, but it becomes addictive. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the area!
5. Summary
Whether you’re a ramen connoisseur or trying Japanese ramen for the first time, these regional specialties offer a perfect opportunity to taste local culture and culinary expertise. Each bowl tells a story of the region’s history and local ingredients. So, grab your chopsticks and embark on a flavorful journey through the Chugoku and Shikoku regions!
And don’t forget, in Japan, slurping noodles loudly isn’t just acceptable – it’s encouraged! It’s an expression of enjoyment and helps enhance the flavors. So go ahead, slurp to your heart’s content and enjoy!
