Kitakata Ramen

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

Kitakata Ramen is counted among Japan's three major ramen alongside Sapporo and Hakata. In a city with a population of about 40,000, over 120 shops compete, making it one of Japan's premier '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 will never tire of sampling them.

■ 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 Ramen' for the best start to your day

A deep experience unique to Kitakata is the 'Asa Ramen,' where you slurp ramen from early morning.

• History of the warehouse town: It is said to have started when shops opened for sake brewers 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.