What is "Koriyama Black," a long-loved ramen in Koriyama City, one of Japan's most competitive ramen areas? [Fukushima Prefecture]

Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture has one of the highest numbers of ramen restaurants per capita in the country

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit this ramen battleground, so"Koriyama Black,"I went to try a ramen called

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What is Koriyama Black? What kind of ramen is it?

think of ramen in Fukushima Prefecture, most probablyKitakata ramenorShirakawa ramenpeople"Koriyama Black"admit that I only recently learned about

Like Kitakata and Shirakawa ramen, the seasoning is soy sauce-based, buta key feature is the use of dark soy sauce, resulting in a dark broth.

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Where did Koriyama Black originate?

had been operating in front of Koriyama Station since the Meiji era."Masuya Shokudo,"Its reputation spread, and other ramen shops followed suit, leading to its establishment in Koriyama and its long-loved specialty. The original "Masuya Shokudo" has already closed. Currently, "Masuya Main Store" and "Masuya Branch Store" are being run by relatives.

The name "Koriyama Black" is said to have spread when the media introduced it as "Koriyama Black" because of its eye-catching black soup

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The oldest existing Koriyama Black coffee shop! Founded in 1980, "Masuhan"

The restaurant I visited this time was "Masuhan," founded in 1980, which is said to be the oldest existing Koriyama Black ramen restaurant since "Ganso Masuya Shokudo".

It's easily accessible, just a ten-minute walk from Koriyama Station. It's located right next to Toyoko Inn Koriyama. I used Google Maps to find it and arrived without getting lost

The store's appearance exudes a wonderful atmosphere. At this point, you can be sure that the food will be delicious!

As it is prominently displayed on the sign, Koriyama Black is the specialty

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The official name is "Koikuchi Ramen"

As explained earlier, "Koriyama Black" is a name popularized by the media, and the restaurant lists it on its menu as "Rich Soy Sauce Ramen." While "Black Ramen" is also listed, this is probably the older, more traditional name. Probably.

Of course, if you turn the page, you will find other menu items. However, since my main target was the Koriyama Black, I didn't look at them much

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Despite its rich appearance, it has a light and mellow taste that will become addictive!

The Koikuchi Ramen I was looking for was 650 yen, a rare and affordable price these days

It certainly looks black! From the outside, it looks like it would be thick and salty, but that wasn't the case at all! The soup is light yet mellow, and not at all salty! It also has a slight sweetness to it, making it a flavor you won't get tired of. I finished it in no time

I honestly love the taste. I know that when it comes to ramen, tastes vary greatly from person to person, but if you have the chance, this is a flavor that you should try at least once. It's only open during the day, which makes it a little more difficult to visit, but I highly recommend it!

INFORMATION

• Name: Masuhan
• Address: 1-14-3 Honmachi, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone: 024-922-6279 (reservations not accepted)
• Business hours: [Monday to Saturday] 11:00-15:00 [Sundays and holidays] 11:00-14:00 Open on Sundays
• Closed: Bon Festival and New Year's holidays
• Gourmet site
  • Tabelog
  • Hot Pepper Gourmet

GOOGLE MAP

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Koriyama Black also has a wide selection of souvenirs

On the way back, I looked for souvenirs at Koriyama Station

There were also a variety of souvenir versions of Koriyama Black available. I bought a two-pack of dried noodles from Masuya Chukasoba Honten, which I wasn't able to visit this time

I quickly tried making it at home

The only ingredients included are noodles and soup. I made my own toppings. I used Masuhan's toppings as inspiration, but I didn't have any naruto so I added boiled eggs and spinach instead

It's pretty well made

It may not be comparable to eating it at a restaurant, but it was still delicious! I think it perfectly reproduced the light, mellow taste that belies its dark color

I was so engrossed in taking photos that the noodles got a little soggy, but they were still delicious! If you have the chance, be sure to try Koriyama Black!

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