The Famous Kitakata Ramen Dish in Fukushima

With its distinctive and unique flavor, ramen in the city of Kitakata (Fukushima prefecture, Japan) has left a lasting impression on diners.

Ramen is a renowned Japanese noodle dish beloved by many. Travelers can encounter ramen shops all across the land of the rising sun, each offering a unique flavor experience.

Fukushima is well-known for this dish, especially Kitakata Ramen originating from the city of Kitakata. This dish wins over many discerning diners with its sweet and savory broth brewed from pork bones and seasoned richly with Shoyu soy sauce.

The appearance of ramen noodles in Japan is quite diverse, depending on the characteristics of each region. Noodles can be thick or thin, curly or straight, round or square, but all share the same ingredients and recipe made from wheat flour, water, salt, and a bit of kansui.

Ramen noodles are flat, slightly curly, and chewy. Each bowl is served with an adequate amount of noodles to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed while eating.

Notably, kansui is an essential ingredient that contributes to the distinctive flavor and appearance of the noodles.

The success of this dish hinges on its broth. Ramen broth is a fusion of two flavors called dashi and tare. Dashi can be made from a variety of ingredients such as pork bones, chicken bones, beef bones, kombu seaweed, and seafood, requiring skillful selection and combination to complement the tare seasoning. Tare, in turn, are flavorings added to the dashi broth to create a rich taste.

After enjoying the noodles, diners can opt for a side of white rice to eat with the remaining broth.

When indulging in this dish, the Japanese often prefer to dine in an environment filled with the hearty slurping sounds. These quaint images are a hallmark of culinary culture, leaving a lasting impression on travelers.

During the winter season, the city of Kitakata is blanketed in pristine white snow. Ducking into a noodle shop somewhere in the city and quickly slurping a bowl of hot noodles will add an extra layer of excitement to your discovery journey.

According to Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour