Have you ever tried miso ramen in Japan? Ramen isn’t just one flavor — its world is really vast! When you visit Japan, make sure to try authentic miso ramen. Anyway, what is miso? And what kinds of ramen are there in Japan? Let’s dive into the world of miso and discover the charm of miso ramen together!
Miso 味噌
Miso is one of the traditional Japanese seasonings made from fermented soybeans, rice, or barley. It looks like a brown paste and has a strong, salty flavor. Because it’s so salty, we usually melt or mix it with something — like in miso soup, hot pot dishes, or of course, miso ramen!
In summer, we often dip raw cucumber into miso — it’s simple but really tasty.
And miso is so healthy and full of nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also good for your digestion because it contains natural probiotics from fermentation. That’s why many Japanese people eat miso every day — it keeps you healthy from the inside!
Ramen Variety in Japan
What kind of ramen have you tried? Soy sauce ramen? Shio (salt) ramen? Actually, there are many more kinds — like miso ramen, tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, and other unique flavors!
The noodles also change depending on the restaurant. Generally, tonkotsu ramen has thin, straight noodles, while Hokkaido-style miso ramen has wavy, yellow noodles. The toppings are different too — every ramen shop has its own special style.
Furthermore, ramen isn’t always served in soup! There are other types like:
- Dipping ramen (tsukemen) – The noodles and soup are served separately. You dip the noodles into a thick, rich soup before eating.
- Mazesoba (no-soup ramen) – This type has only noodles, ingredients, and seasonings in one bowl. You mix everything well and enjoy! The flavor is strong, so it doesn’t need soup, and the noodles are usually thick.
Anyway, soup ramen is still the most popular style around the world, right?
Now, let’s check out miso ramen! It’s authentic, full of flavor, and you can easily find great miso ramen around Tokyo and Osaka!
Tadokoro Shoten 田所商店
Tadokoro Shoten has many locations across Japan, and even in other countries like the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Thailand. It’s famous for its Misoya — authentic miso ramen!
The shop focuses only on miso ramen, but it offers several different kinds. Actually, the taste of miso changes depending on the miso factory or region, so every bowl has its own unique flavor. Tadokoro Shoten serves three main types of miso ramen, and each one comes with different toppings — like a vegetable miso ramen or a meat-and-leek miso ramen.
Next, let me introduce one of the most popular choices: Hokkaido miso ramen. You’ll see why this rich, flavorful ramen is a favorite among locals and tourists alike!
Hokkaido Miso Ramen
The best thing about Hokkaido miso ramen is its deep umami flavor. The Hokkaido-style miso is slightly spicy and has a rich brown color. Miso usually has a strong, punchy taste, but this ramen’s soup is surprisingly gentle — full of depth yet without any harshness or bitterness. It’s smooth, well-balanced, and so comforting that you’ll want to sip it until the very last drop.
The noodles are slightly wavy, just enough to catch and hold the thick, flavorful soup. Every bite bursts with the perfect mix of savory miso, soft noodles, and a little bit of spice — it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
The chashu (roasted pork) is the most popular topping at this ramen shop. Each piece is marinated in miso and roasted fresh after you order, so it’s incredibly juicy and tender. It’s so soft that it melts in your mouth — never tough, even though it’s pork! Every bite is packed with rich miso aroma, making it a must-try addition to your bowl of Hokkaido miso ramen.
Incidentally, Hokkaido is famous for its fresh, delicious ingredients — like corn, potatoes, and milk. That’s why you’ll find tender, flavorful potato in this Hokkaido miso ramen bowl! The potato pairs perfectly with the rich, savory miso soup, adding a comforting, slightly sweet touch to every bite.
If you want to learn more about Hokkaido miso ramen, check out my full article below — I’ve shared all the delicious details you won’t want to miss!
Summary
Ramen is amazing, but it can sometimes feel too heavy or greasy. This miso ramen, however, is surprisingly healthy and just the right amount of richness. The ingredients are fresh and delicious, and the soup is full of flavor without being overwhelming. Delicious and healthy — what an incredible combination!
When you’re in Japan, be sure to enjoy Tadokoro Shoten near your hotel and treat yourself to an unforgettable bowl of miso ramen!
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