Hakodate Ramen is a traditional ramen from Hakodate in Hokkaido prefecture. It is famous for its salty taste and thin straight noodles!
Hakodate ramen is one of the three major ramen types in Hokkaido, Japan, alongside Sapporo and Asahikawa ramen. Known for its shio (salt-based) broth, Hakodate ramen features clear soup and thin, straight noodles. The broth is typically made from ingredients like chicken, kelp, and bonito, making it distinctively lighter and less fatty compared to its Sapporo and Asahikawa counterparts. Hakodate, as a historical port city, has been influenced by various cultures, which is reflected in its cuisine. The city's ramen is thought to have Chinese origins, with the first Japanese ramen possibly served there in 1884. Popular toppings for Hakodate ramen include roasted pork, scallions, bamboo strips, fish cake, spinach, or dried seaweed. A notable place to try Hakodate ramen is a restaurant established in 1981 near Hakodate Morning Market, which offers traditional flavors like miso, salt, and soy sauce, with their signature being the Ajisai Shioramen. This ramen includes a soup made from chicken and pork bones with kelp from Southern Hokkaido. For a unique twist, the restaurant offers a rich "Tonshio" ramen, featuring a pork bone broth enhanced with garlic oil and yuzu pepper. Hokkaido's rich natural ingredients contribute to the deliciousness of its ramen, making it a comforting must-try dish during a visit, especially in cold weather.