Banshu Ramen
A sweet and rich bowl of Banshu Ramen, nurtured in the textile city

About Banshu Ramen

Banshu Ramen (播州ラーメン, Banshu ramen) is a beloved local specialty from the Kita-Harima region, particularly centered in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its most distinctive feature is its "sweet broth." This unique soup is made from a base of chicken bones, pork bones, vegetables, and soy sauce, enriched with the sweetness of rock sugar and onions. First-time tasters are often surprised, exclaiming, "It's sweet!"

The thin, wavy noodles are complemented by simple toppings such as chashu pork, green onions, and bean sprouts. Despite its sweetness, the soup carries a satisfying depth of flavor, making for a truly comforting bowl.

The origins of this sweet broth trace back to the 1950s during the Showa era. At that time, it was designed to suit the tastes of the young female workers in Banshu textile factories in Nishiwaki City. Over the decades, Banshu Ramen has become deeply rooted in the local community and continues to be loved by residents. Today, it is celebrated as one of Hyogo Prefecture's representative local ramen dishes.

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