Whatever the weather, and whatever the season, ramen is a firm Japanese favourite. A love affair that means one is never far away from a place specialising in the stuff. Some are fancy. Some are big. But more often than not they are tiny, tumbledown places like this. And invariably they are all the better for it.
Charlie Hayward says
I always felt that the deliciousness of ramen, the magic distilled into those bowls of delicious broth, noodle, and accoutrements, was directly proportionate to how much of a hole in the wall the restaurant was. The more I was struggling not to smash my elbows into the salary men or fellow students next to me, the better the edible treasure seemed to be.
Great picture as always. Love how you capture the lifeblood of the country.
Lee says
Thank you very much.
Yeah, so many tiny places tend to be so good. For such a common dish, it is amazing how many queues it’s possible to see at lunch time. Lots of choice, but the best ones are worth the wait.
Willy says
Looks like my kind of joint. I also see that some of your haikyo pics are in the huff post. Congratulations!
Lee says
Cheers! Yeah, good to have then picked up and given more exposure.
Hans ter Horst says
Great shot, it really summarizes the Ramen shop experience.
I cannot do the slurping but nevertheless I can finish a bowl as quickly as any Japanese 🙂
Lee says
Thanks!
Likewise. I have tried, but it goes against everything I was taught as a youngster. Even though everyone else is at it, even if I make the slightest noise I feel terribly rude!
Ken says
Yes but if you do force yourself to slurp you get some great looks of approval.
Lee says
Maybe, but it’s a hard habit to break/start…
Charlie Hayward says
So true! Back in the States I still slurp noodles and am given blazing hot looks of admonishment from friends and family. I try to explain the air will help the flavor. Nobody cares.
Marsha says
I saw your pictures on The Huffington Post and have been looking at your blog over my morning coffee. Your work is wonderful and goes a long way to explain a still mysterious country to the rest of the world. The ruins pictures are amazing, I live with a historic preservantionist and cannot wait to show them the pictures of the house.
Lee says
Thank you. That’s very kind of you.
Bernadette Marchetti says
A ramen bar opened up in my neighborhood. The food is great. It’s a proper restaurant with beautiful decor. The prices are reasonable for a nice restaurant. And they deliver! I was so happy! Being in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I was really surprised when it opened. We dont have a huge Japanese population. But Pittsburgh has its cosmopolitan side. There are numerous universities in close proximity to each other (University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and about five others within walking distance of each other) and we have A LOT of international students and residents. The restaurant just opened, but I think it will do very well.
Lee says
A ramen place in town is always good. With plenty of students nearby it will hopefully do well. Or at least it will if it’s decent. Get in there and give it a go!