Wakayama Ramen Information

There are two types of Ramen in Wakayama, pork broth soy sauce Chuka Soba (Wakayama Ramen) and the owners’ original Ramen. You can enjoy various ramen from traditional taste to the unique owner’s original taste.

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Chuka Soba (Wakayama Ramen) is said to be originated from the food stalls inside Wakayama City during the mid-Showa era. The food stalls were lined near the Shakomae Station (Current Nishitakamatsu, Wakayama-shi) which was the city center during that time. The streets were very lively with the food stalls competing with each other. Eventually, these food stalls became the ramen restaurants in various parts of Wakayama City. Thanks to this, the present Wakayama Ramen culture was formed.

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<Beginners Guide!>

(1)Chuka Soba noodles are thin, straight, and slightly soft. When you order, tell them your preferred level of firmness.

(2)Chuka Soba usually comes with braised pork belly (Chashu), green onions, fermented bamboo shoots (menma), and fish cake (kamaboko), but every ramen shop is a little bit different.

(3)At the table you’ll find hayanare-zushi (mackerel sushi) and boiled eggs. Help yourself, keeping track of how much you eat. When you pay at the end of the meal, tell them what you had and pay for it then.

(4)Help yourself to water (some restaurants have servers bring water)

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Hayanare-zushi

Salted horse mackerel is placed on vinegared rice and wrapped in a cane leaf to ferment. It has a delightful acidity that goes perfectly with ramen flavored with pork broth and soy sauce.

 

Boiled eggs

You can peel and eat some boiled eggs while you’re waiting for your ordered ramen to arrive, soak some in your soup once it does—how you eat them is up to you!