the ramen blog & other goodies!

I realized after the fact that my last review was post #200. Though the majority of my earlier posts were not much more than the blogging equivalent of caveman grunts, allow me a moment to pat myself on the back for reaching a milestone, even if it took me long enough to do it.

It’s a happy coincidence that this “just-missed-being-a-milestone-post” reviews the nama version of Kurume Taiho’s tonkotsu ramen. If you’ve never heard of Kurume Taiho, know that the rameniac likens the several hours journey from Tokyo to Kurume Taiho to the ramen fan’s equivalent of a pilgrimage and Go Ramen! raved about their nama ramen’s “harmonious balance of flavor.”

I’m a sucker for good packaging, and sometimes, it’s the understated simple designs that are the most elegant. I really like the packaging of the Taiho Kurume ramen, and now, thanks to Keizo, I have the opportunity to see firsthand whether or not the quality of the ramen inside matches the gorgeous packaging outside. Read the rest of this entry →

There are hidden gems, really hidden gems, and then there’s Kairakutei Ramen. Nestled in the corner of a strange two-sided plaza that can be best described as a sandwich cut into two triangles, Kairakutei doesn’t even have a sign that says “Kairakutei,” at least none that I saw. Unless you can read Japanese, the only indication that this little restaurant even serves ramen is the partly obscured word “Noodle” (singular) painted on the front window. Read the rest of this entry →

The 50th anniversary of instant ramen was a few weeks ago and to celebrate, THAT animeblog has a great writeup of the history of ramen.

CK Go Places goes to Tsukiya Ramen in Tokyo. You gotta love the signage and vibe, not to mention the ramen presented with a giant sheet of nori.

Yes, there are ramen shops on Mount Fuji.

A heroic soul makes ramen from scratch. And I mean, from scratch!

I had no idea that 500-pack “ramen blocks” existed!

JapaneseNoodle.net sells instant ramen from famous ramenyas in Japan. And they’ll ship to the U.S.! (Unfortunately, you won’t get far if you can’t read Japanese). Thanks to Japan Infusion!

Alpa Chino love Booty Sweat, and chicken and beef ramen.

Meet rameniac live and in person!

A few weeks ago I promised to review Nissin’s new health-conscious instant ramen. According to Nissin:

…eating healthier doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Choice Ramen is 80% fat free with 25% less sodium than typical instant ramen. How’d we do it? The secret rests in a special air-drying process. It yields a healthier noodle with the delicious taste and texture you’re looking for.

Read the rest of this entry →

We’ve finally gotten around to upgrading the bowels of the ramenramenramen web site, and so far everything seems to be in working order. You, our loyal reader, should really notice no difference. But if something *is* broken and interfering with your reading enjoyment, please let us know. Simply leave a comment below or send us a message by clicking on the “contact” link above in the navigation menu.

In case you missed the previous ramen festival in February, Mitsuwa japanese supermarket is having a Hokkaido Fair, featuring two of the previously featured ramenyas and apparently introducing highly rated Santouka Ramen to the San Jose Store.

Shoyu ramen specialist Asameshi Maeda Honpo will be at the Costa Mesa store from Thursday thru Sunday (9/11 to 9/14) and the New Jersey store next week from Thursday thru Sunday (9/18 to 9/21).

Sumire Ramen will be offering their Miso ramen and Miso Butter Corn ramen at the Torrance store Thursday thru Sunday (9/11 to 9/14), and the Chicago store next Thursday thru Sunday (9/18 to 9/21).

And last, but certainly not least, shio ramen fans can try Santouka ramen at the San Jose store next Thursday thru Sunday (9/18 to 9/21).

Remember to go early, as they tend to sell out of ramen early!