Introducing nabeyaki ramen, a soul food that originated in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture! Discover its appeal and delicious ways of enjoying it!
Nabeyaki ramen is a local specialty that Susaki City in Kochi Prefecture takes pride in. Served in an earthenware pot, it stays surprisingly piping hot right down to the last bite! It is beloved for the firm, thin noodles that are perfect for absorbing the light yet deeply flavorful chicken bone-based broth, its simple toppings, and the delightful flavors that are created when you break an egg in it. Discover the profound allure and unforgettable taste of nabeyaki ramen, along with delicious ways to enjoy it.
Did Japan's hottest nabeyaki ramen begin with the store's thoughtful consideration?
Nabeyaki ramen is a rustic-looking ramen made with chicken, egg, green onions, and chikuwa (fish cake). Yet, it is in fact the hottest ramen in Japan that hails proudly from Susaki City in Kochi Prefecture!
Nabeyaki ramen was created as the result of the warm thoughtfulness of an eatery called “Taniguchi Shokudo,” which once stood in Susaki City.
It began when the owner, who wanted customers ordering a delivery to enjoy their meal while it was still steaming hot and delicious, switched from using regular bowls to heat-retaining pots. On top of that, he took meticulous care to ensure the best condition of the noodles, such as by deliberately boiling the noodles to a firmer consistency so that they would achieve the perfect degree of firmness by the time they arrived at the customer's door. This spirit of wanting to provide customers with their meal in the best possible state lies at the roots of this gourmet specialty that is representative of Kochi.
Today, local enthusiasts have formed a group dedicated to promoting nabeyaki ramen and established the “Seven Definitions of Nabeyaki Ramen.”
Nabeyaki ramen was created as the result of the warm thoughtfulness of an eatery called “Taniguchi Shokudo,” which once stood in Susaki City.
It began when the owner, who wanted customers ordering a delivery to enjoy their meal while it was still steaming hot and delicious, switched from using regular bowls to heat-retaining pots. On top of that, he took meticulous care to ensure the best condition of the noodles, such as by deliberately boiling the noodles to a firmer consistency so that they would achieve the perfect degree of firmness by the time they arrived at the customer's door. This spirit of wanting to provide customers with their meal in the best possible state lies at the roots of this gourmet specialty that is representative of Kochi.
Today, local enthusiasts have formed a group dedicated to promoting nabeyaki ramen and established the “Seven Definitions of Nabeyaki Ramen.”
Nabeyaki Ramen “Project X” - Seven Definitions
1. The soup is a soy sauce-based broth made from oyadori (mature hen) bones.2. The noodles are thin and straight, and served slightly firm.
3. The toppings include oya-dori meat, green onions, raw egg, and chikuwa (fish cake).
4. The dish is served in an earthenware pot (enameled or cast iron).
5. The soup is served boiling hot.
6. It is accompanied by takuwan (aged pickled radish, preferably sour).
7. Everything is prepared in the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality).
Official website of Susaki City
Savor the ultimate bowl ! The appeal of sizzling hot nabeyaki ramen and recommended ways of enjoying it
The combination of light chicken bone broth alongside the rich, profound flavor of soy sauce creates a delicious soup with a light, soothing taste.
Another unique appeal of this ramen is how the egg is eaten.
The first way is the classic “egg break.” Immediately after lifting the pot lid, break the yolk so that the creamy egg spreads throughout the soup, allowing you to enjoy its mellow richness.
Next, we recommend trying “egg submersion.” Gently lower the egg into the piping hot soup so that the white firms up to just the right degree, offering the delightful texture of a half-boiled egg.
Finally, try the twist on sukiyaki-style egg. Scoop the egg out of the earthenware pot, sprinkle with pepper, and dip and mix the noodles into the beaten egg for a rich, luxurious taste.
After finishing the noodles, add rice to the remaining soup to make ojiya (porridge) for a perfect, blissful finale. The gentle yet deep flavor also makes it ideal for rounding off a night of drinking. This ramen, which can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways in a single bowl, is an absolute must-try when visiting Kochi. It is an ultimate bowl that warms both body and soul.
Another unique appeal of this ramen is how the egg is eaten.
The first way is the classic “egg break.” Immediately after lifting the pot lid, break the yolk so that the creamy egg spreads throughout the soup, allowing you to enjoy its mellow richness.
Next, we recommend trying “egg submersion.” Gently lower the egg into the piping hot soup so that the white firms up to just the right degree, offering the delightful texture of a half-boiled egg.
Finally, try the twist on sukiyaki-style egg. Scoop the egg out of the earthenware pot, sprinkle with pepper, and dip and mix the noodles into the beaten egg for a rich, luxurious taste.
After finishing the noodles, add rice to the remaining soup to make ojiya (porridge) for a perfect, blissful finale. The gentle yet deep flavor also makes it ideal for rounding off a night of drinking. This ramen, which can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways in a single bowl, is an absolute must-try when visiting Kochi. It is an ultimate bowl that warms both body and soul.
Enjoy every last bite of nabeyaki ramen! An infinite loop created by takuwan
Takuwan (pickled radish) is an indispensable side dish to accompany steaming hot nabeyaki ramen and rice. Many eateries serve them atop the pot lid as standard. After your mouth has been filled with the rich umami of the ramen, the acidity and saltiness of the pickles help to reset your palate! This palate cleanser lets you experience the ramen's delicious flavors anew, time and again. The endless loop of heat, umami flavor, and the refreshing kick from the takuwan keeps you going and wanting more.The rich variations of nabeyaki ramen, from mild flavors to bold, exciting ones
Kochi's nabeyaki ramen maintains its appeal thanks to the exciting variations of diverse flavors, preserving traditional tastes while constantly evolving.
Beyond the classic soy sauce flavor with oya-dori chicken bone soup, new soup variations are constantly emerging. For example, there is a refreshing salt-based broth that brings out the umami of chicken, a kimchi flavor with the umami and spiciness of kimchi to whet your appetite, a curry flavor with the addictive aroma of spices, and a refreshing yuzu flavor that is unique to Kochi. Choose your favorite according to your mood or preference. Discovering new tastes with every visit is part of the fun.
Beyond the classic soy sauce flavor with oya-dori chicken bone soup, new soup variations are constantly emerging. For example, there is a refreshing salt-based broth that brings out the umami of chicken, a kimchi flavor with the umami and spiciness of kimchi to whet your appetite, a curry flavor with the addictive aroma of spices, and a refreshing yuzu flavor that is unique to Kochi. Choose your favorite according to your mood or preference. Discovering new tastes with every visit is part of the fun.
More than just nabeyaki! Other distinctive Kochi ramen dishes
Apart from nabeyaki ramen, there is a wealth of distinctive and attractive local ramen dishes in Kochi. These include miso katsu ramen, which packs a punch with its hot miso soup topped lavishly with freshly fried tonkatsu (pork cutlet), and the kai dashi ramen, characterized by its deep richness and refined flavor from the concentrated umami of shellfish. This makes Kochi an irresistible destination for ramen enthusiasts.Where to eat nabeyaki ramen
The charm of Kochi's nabeyaki ramen lies in how it blends seamlessly into various spots around town and not just in specialty restaurants. You can enjoy a steaming bowl of original ramen at eateries of any genre, including traditional shokudo (diners), yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) restaurants, traditional coffee shops, udon restaurants, izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs), and even sushi restaurants.
Try out every kind of nabeyaki ramen featuring the unique character of each shop.
Our recommended nabeyaki ramen eateries (where you can use the SHIKOKURURI “Tabi Pass”)
・Nabeyaki Ramen Garo
・Nabeyaki Ramen Chiaki
・Roadside Station Kawauso-no-sato Susaki “Restaurant Toreta Tei”
Susaki City Tourism Association's website
Try out every kind of nabeyaki ramen featuring the unique character of each shop.
Our recommended nabeyaki ramen eateries (where you can use the SHIKOKURURI “Tabi Pass”)
・Nabeyaki Ramen Garo
・Nabeyaki Ramen Chiaki
・Roadside Station Kawauso-no-sato Susaki “Restaurant Toreta Tei”
Susaki City Tourism Association's website
Summary
What did you think?
Be sure to try the steaming hot nabeyaki ramen in its hometown ♪
Other than nabeyaki ramen, you can find plenty more delicious cuisine in Shikoku! Check out the gourmet options below that you find interesting ♪
See our feature on gourmet foods in Shikoku
Be sure to try the steaming hot nabeyaki ramen in its hometown ♪
Other than nabeyaki ramen, you can find plenty more delicious cuisine in Shikoku! Check out the gourmet options below that you find interesting ♪
See our feature on gourmet foods in Shikoku