Kagoshima Ramen: Kyushu Tonkotsu with Unique Culture
I am fond of trying newly released instant ramen noodles that have become a topic of conversation.
The other day I checked Amazon Japan Best Sellers’ instant ramen rankings and found an interesting cup ramen.
Actually, it was a bowl of instant Kagoshima Ramen that captured my interest, which I have never eaten before and ranked seventh.
| Marutai Kagoshima Kogashi-Negi Tonkotsu Ramen |
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| Amazon.co.jp |
Kagoshima Ramen (鹿児島ラーメン)
By the way, have you ever heard of “Kagoshima Ramen (鹿児島ラーメン)”? It is actually one of the local Tonkotsu ramens in the Kyushu region of Japan.
Specifically, Kagoshima Ramen refers to Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen offered by ramen restaurants in Kagoshima Prefecture.
As you might already know, Tonkotsu ramen has its roots in “Kurume Ramen (久留米ラーメン)” and its birthplace is “Nankin Senryo (南京千両)”, a ramen shop located in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture.
From Kurume, Tonkotsu ramen spread to other Kyushu regions, and in recent years the Japanese ramen is becoming popular around the world.
However, it is said that, on Kyushu Island, only Kagoshima Ramen doesn’t have its roots in Kurume Tonkotsu Ramen.
Features
According to the official website of Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum, the main features of the present-day Kagoshima ramen are as follows.
- The noodles for Kagoshima Ramen are made without using “Kansui (かん水)” alkaline saltwater, though ramen noodles usually contain it
- The noodles are straight, whitish in color, and soft in texture
- The soup base is pork bone broth with umami from vegetables and chicken
- The soup is translucent and not greasy compared to other Kyushu Tonkotsu ramen
- The majority of Tonkotsu ramen offered by ramen restaurants in Kagoshima are pricier than Tonkotsu ramen served in other Kyushu areas
Restaurants
Lastly, let me introduce ramen restaurants in Kagoshima that are famous for their Tonkotsu ramen.
Noboruya (のぼる屋)
Noboruya is the oldest ramen shop in the city of Kagoshima that was opened in 1947. The noodles are soft, chewy, and whitish, while the broth is characterized by its mild and gentle Tonkotsu flavor.
Image: tabelog.com
- Address: 6-9 Kinsei-Cho, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Pref. (MAP)
- Open: 11:00 am to 19:00 pm
- Closed: Mondays
Komurasaki (こむらさき)
Komurasaki, together with Noboruya, is one of the most famous ramen restaurants that offer Kagoshima Tonkotsu Ramen. This ramen shop was opened in 1950 and the ramen broth is mild and rich in flavor.
Image: tabelog.com
- Address: 11-19 HigashiSengoku-Cho, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Pref. (MAP)
- Open: 11:00 am to 20:30 pm
- Closed: Third Thursday
(Reference Page: Wikipedia 鹿児島ラーメン )
