SANCHEZ
NIIGATA RAMEN
Ramen is a very common and cherished culinary staple in Japan, it is fundamentally a hot noodle soup. The broth, which defines the dish's character, typically incorporates flavors from pork, fish, soy sauce or Japanese "Miso." Across Japan, ramen eateries are plentiful, each offering unique variations in taste and composition, reflecting local preferences and innovations. This page highlights my selection of the finest, most delectable ramen establishments, all situated within Niigata prefecture of Japan, renowned for infusing their ramen with a pronounced note of ginger. For individuals who abstain from eating pork, this guide might not cater to your dietary preferences. However, for those like myself who either avoid or have an aversion to fish, you will find these recommendations particularly appealing. The Ramen restaurants featured here are crafted for a well-rounded, flavorful experience where fish flavors are subtly subdued. The photographs accompanying this guide depict the "Chashyu" variant of ramen, characterized by an abundance of succulent roasted pork slices.
TAICHI
TAICHI - SOY SAUCE FLAVOR
Ramen restaurant "Taichi" located in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture has one of the most delicious Soy flavored Ramen soups in Japan. This Pork, soy and ginger based soup boasts fresh and flavorful ingredients. It is highly recommended for Ramen fans visiting Niigata. The soup can be ordered either normal, or with extra pork slices.
TAICHI
TAICHI - SALT FLAVOR
Ramen restaurant "Taichi" located in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture also has one of the most delicious Salt flavored Ramen soups in Japan. This Pork, Salt and ginger based soup, like the Soy flavored soup boasts fresh and flavorful ingredients. Like the Soy flavored soup, the soup can be ordered with extra "Chashyu" (Roasted Pork Slices). This restaurant is highly recommended.
MENYA KEN
MENYA KEN - SOY SAUCE FLAVOR
Ramen restaurant "Menya-Ken" is located in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture and is one of my top favorites for soy sauce flavor Ramen. Like Taichi, Menya-Ken's Pork and Soy Sauce based soup has a strong but well balanced flavor of Ginger and boasts very fresh ingredients. The "Chashyu" roasted pork slices taste particularly fresh and tasty. The taste of the "menma" (Bamboo Shoots) is also significantly different from other ramen restaurants, as it is soft and carries a hint of sesame flavor. The photograph above is a picture of the "Chashyu" version of the soup, meaning it contains extra slices of roasted pork. While the restaurant only offers Soy Sauce flavored Ramen, they do also offer an optional side bowl of delicious "Koshi-Hikari" rice topped with with sweet soy sauce flavored roasted pork slices which is highly recommended.
HIGUMA
HIGUMA - SOY SAUCE FLAVOR
Ramen restaurant "Higuma" has multiple locations in Niigata prefecture, Nagaoka City, Ojiya City and further south in Shiozawa. Higuma ramen restaurant is a very popular destination for locals, and is well known for their strong ginger flavor in their soups. In my opinion Higuma's flavor is a bit stronger than the other restaurants which makes every bite delicious, but may be difficult to drink all of the soup's soy based liquid. Regardless, it is a very enjoyable experience with delicious flavors, and it is highly recommended.
HIGUMA
HIGUMA - SALT FLAVOR
Ramen restaurant "Higuma" has multiple locations in Niigata prefecture, Nagaoka City, Ojiya City and further south in Shiozawa. Higuma ramen Salt flavor from my experience has been very popular with tourists, and is a very flavorful soup which can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. Higuma ramen is well known for its stronger ginger flavor compared to Ramen restaurants outside of Niigata prefecture, and Higuma salt flavor ramen is one of the most highly recommended ramen dishes.
AOSHIMA SHOKUDO
AOSHIMA - SOY SAUCE FLAVOR
Aoshima ramen restaurant is one of the oldest and original ramen restaurants of Nagaoka city known for its Soy ramen with strong ginger taste. The restaurant boasts four establishments in Nagaoka city and has been featured in television programs covering the topic of Niigata ramen.