Ramen is a beloved dish in Japan, and Yokohama has played a significant role in its development. In particular, the city is known for its unique style of ramen called Ie-kei ramen (家系ラーメン). This style blends tonkotsu (pork bone) and shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, with a thick, creamy broth and chewy noodles, and has become a popular dish throughout the country.
The history of Ie-kei ramen is closely tied to Yokohama’s port culture. During the post-World War II era, the city saw an influx of people from different parts of Japan, including those from the western regions, who brought with them their unique culinary traditions. Many of these migrants were employed in the city’s port, and it was in this environment that the first Ie-kei ramen was created.
In the 1970s, a chef at a local ramen shop began experimenting with different broths and noodle textures, and eventually developed a new style of ramen that combined the rich, creamy broth of tonkotsu ramen with the savory, salty flavor of shoyu ramen. The chef’s unique creation quickly gained popularity, and other ramen shops in Yokohama began to adopt it. The name Ie-kei, which means “home-style,” was chosen to emphasize the comforting and familiar qualities of the dish.
One of the most famous early adopters of Ie-kei ramen was Yoshimura-ya, a ramen shop that has been in operation for over 40 years. Yoshimura-ya’s founder, Kazuo Yoshimura, was a key figure in popularizing Ie-kei ramen and is often credited with helping to create the modern version of the dish. Today, Ie-kei ramen is a staple of Yokohama cuisine and has spread throughout Japan, with many people traveling to the city just to try this unique style of ramen.
Popular Ie-kei Ramen Restaurants in Yokohama
If you’re looking to try Ie-kei ramen in Yokohama, here are five popular restaurants to check out:
Yoshimura-ya
Yoshimura-ya is one of the oldest and most famous Ie-kei ramen shops in Yokohama. The restaurant has been in operation for over 40 years and is known for its rich, creamy broth and chewy noodles. The toppings include chashu pork, boiled egg, and green onions.
Hakuryuken
Hakuryuken is another popular Ie-kei ramen shop that has been in operation since 1947. The restaurant’s broth is made from pork bones and chicken, and the noodles are thick and chewy. The toppings include chashu pork, boiled egg, and menma (bamboo shoots).
Santouka
Santouka is a Hokkaido-based ramen chain that has a location in Yokohama. The restaurant’s specialty is shio (salt) ramen, but they also offer a delicious Ie-kei ramen. The broth is rich and creamy, and the noodles are thin and curly. The toppings include chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Ramen Kamomeya
Ramen Kamomeya is a popular Ie-kei ramen shop located in Yokohama’s Chinatown. The restaurant’s broth is made from pork bones and soy sauce, and the noodles are thick and chewy. The toppings include chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Ramen Zundoya
Ramen Zundoya is a relatively new Ie-kei ramen chain that originated in Nagoya but has a location in Yokohama. The restaurant’s broth is made from pork bones and soy sauce, and the noodles are thick and chewy. The toppings include chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Summary
Yokohama’s Ie-kei ramen is a unique and delicious style of ramen that has a rich history tied to the city’s port culture. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Ie-kei ramen is a must-try dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.