Kitakata Ramen

【Japan's Three Great Ramen】Exquisite curly noodles and the 'Asa-Ra' culture. The profound world of 'Kitakata Ramen'

Alongside Sapporo and Hakata, Kitakata Ramen is counted as one of Japan's three great ramen. In a town with a population of about 40,000, over 120 shops compete, making it one of Japan's top 'ramen sanctuaries'. While it is based on a clear pork and seafood-based light soy sauce soup, each shop has evolved uniquely, ensuring that you never get bored while tasting.

■ Is the secret the moisture content? Chewy, thick 'Takasui noodles'

The biggest feature is the thick and flat 'curly noodles'.

• Unique texture: By aging 'Takasui noodles' with a higher moisture ratio than typical noodles, a unique 'chewy and smooth' texture is created.
• Harmony with the soup: The wavy noodles firmly cling to the flavorful soup.

■ Unique food culture 'Asa-Ra' for the best start to your day

A deep experience unique to Kitakata is 'Asa-Ra', slurping ramen from early morning.

• History of the warehouse town: It is said to have started when shops opened for the sake brewery workers finishing night shifts and farmers.
• Morning soul food: With a refreshing and gentle flavor that doesn't weigh on the stomach even in the morning, it is truly a masterpiece nurtured by the history and climate of this land.