What is Koriyama Black, one of the most competitive ramen restaurants in the country, has been loved for many years in Koriyama City? [Fukushima Prefecture]

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

I went to try a ramen called "Koriyama Black," which has been loved for many years in this fiercely competitive ramen area

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

When it comes to ramen in Fukushima Prefecture, many people probably think of Kitakata ramen or Shirakawa ramen to say that I only recently learned about Koriyama Black ramen

The ramen is seasoned with soy sauce, just like Kitakata and Shirakawa, but its main feature is that it uses strong soy sauce, giving the soup a dark color.

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Where did Koriyama Black originate?

Masuya Shokudo has been in business in front of Koriyama Station since the Meiji era, is said to be the original, and as its reputation spread and other ramen shops followed suit, it became established in Koriyama and a beloved specialty for many years. The original Masuya Shokudo has since closed. Currently, the Masuya Main Branch and Masuya Branch have been taken over by relatives and are operating.

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"

This time we visited Masuhan, which was founded in 1980 and is said to be the oldest existing Koriyama Black .

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 above, "Koriyama Black" is a name popularized by the media, and the restaurant lists it on the menu as "Koikuchi Ramen." It also has "Black Ramen" written on it, but I think this is the name it has always been called. 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
  • eating log
  • 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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