Hachinohe Ramen
Hachinohe Ramen: A comforting bowl that feels nostalgic, even for the first time

About Hachinohe Ramen

Hachinohe Ramen (八戸ラーメン, Hachinohe ramen) is a beloved local dish from Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture, cherished by residents for generations. Its story began around 1928 when Kequan Zheng, who had moved to Hachinohe from China, opened a restaurant called "Rairai Ken," introducing this traditional flavor that has been preserved to this day.

The hallmark of Hachinohe Ramen is its light soy sauce-based broth made from dried sardines and chicken bones. The subtle aroma of dried sardines permeates the soup, offering a gentle, nostalgic taste that soothes the soul. Its hand-rolled, curly thin noodles harmonize beautifully with the broth, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor. The toppings—char siu pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots—are classic and familiar, adding a comforting appeal.

In 2002, with the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen Hachinohe Station, the "Hachinohe Ramen Association" was established to revive this traditional ramen as "nostalgic old-style flavor." Today, it can be enjoyed in local eateries as well as purchased as a souvenir, rekindling appreciation for the timeless simplicity of this traditional ramen.

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