Soy Sauce Ramen
Overview
Soy sauce ramen is one of the oldest types of ramen in Japan, born in Tokyo. It is characterized by a soup made from a base of chicken bones, pork bones, seafood, etc., with soy sauce added. The soup has a transparency to it and appears clear with a brownish color. The ramen itself has a relatively light taste, a good aroma, and often carries a deep flavor.
History and Origin
Before ramen culture was established in Japan, "China Soba," which was transmitted from China, is said to be the prototype. Soy sauce ramen is an evolution of this China Soba, adapted to Japanese tastes, and gained particular popularity in Tokyo. In the post-war food shortage era, ramen, which could be eaten easily, spread, and soy sauce ramen became a central existence.
Features
The greatest feature of soy sauce ramen is its soup. The soup is based on chicken bones, pork bones, seafood, vegetables, etc., and by adding soy sauce to it, it creates a unique savory flavor and richness. The concentration of the soup and the balance of flavors vary from shop to shop, ranging from light to rich. Medium-thin straight noodles are common, designed to mix well with the soup.
Toppings
Common toppings include chashu, menma, green onions, seaweed, naruto, as well as spinach and boiled eggs. These toppings go well with the soup, allowing you to enjoy variations in texture and flavor.
Regional Variations
Soy sauce ramen is loved all over the country, and each region has its own unique evolution. For example, in Tokyo, relatively light soy sauce ramen based on chicken bone and seafood broth is the mainstream. On the other hand, in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, a rich taste characterized by a double soup of pork bones and seafood with soy sauce added is popular. In some parts of Kyushu, soy sauce tonkotsu ramen, which combines soy sauce with pork bone soup, is also served.
Appeal of Soy Sauce Ramen
The appeal of soy sauce ramen lies in its good balance. The transparency and aroma of the soup, the chewiness of the noodles, and the variation of toppings come together to create a harmonious taste. Also, because of its simple composition, the quality of the ingredients and cooking techniques are directly reflected, allowing you to enjoy the individuality of each shop.
Soy sauce ramen, which laid the foundation for Japan's ramen culture, and its deep taste and variations are indispensable for ramen fans. When visiting Tokyo, be sure to tour various famous shops and enjoy the differences.
Secret Famous Shops that Japanese Ramen Lovers Visit
There are many famous soy sauce ramen shops in Tokyo. Here are some of them:
Chinese Soba Shibata
TokyoChofu City Wakaba-cho 2-25-20
Phone number not disclosed
https://twitter.com/takashi5746
Yakumo
TokyoMeguro Ward Higashiyama 3-6-15 Ebiya Building 1F
03-6303-3663
https://twitter.com/yakumo_ikejiri
Ramenya Shima
TokyoShibuya Ward Honmachi 3-41-12
Phone number not disclosed
https://twitter.com/ramenya_shima
Menya Sakurai
TokyoMusashino City Nishikubo 2-15-27
Phone number not disclosed
Homemade Ramen Muginae
TokyoShinagawa Ward Minami-Oi 6-11-10
Phone number not disclosed
https://twitter.com/Akihiro_Fukaya
Menya Honda Akihabara Main Store
TokyoChiyoda Ward Kanda Hanaoka-cho 1-19
Phone number not disclosed
https://twitter.com/T_N_W2020HONDA
Irishika TOKYO
TokyoMinato Ward Roppongi 4-12-12
Phone number not disclosed
Qingdao Dining Hall Akihabara Store
TokyoChiyoda Ward Kanda Sakumacho 3-20-1 Osugi Building 1F
03-5820-0037
http://www.aoshima-ramen.co.jp/
Chinese Soba Nishino
TokyoBunkyo Ward Hongo 3-30-7 Kumano Building B101
Phone number not disclosed
https://twitter.com/nishino_hongo3
Tsukesoba Kanda Katsumoto
TokyoChiyoda Ward Kanda Sarugakucho 1-2-4
Phone number not disclosed
https://twitter.com/kanda_katsumoto