Ramen Hunter

In the Ramen Hunter annual tradition, we get Frank from 5AM Ramen and Brian of Ramen Adventures back on the pod to discuss the Ramen Walker 2024 Tokyo guide. This is the 15th edition of the Ramen Walker Tokyo Guide, and there are some new things to check out in this issue. First we get to hear about Brian's recent Germany/Poland trip. He brought some well regarded Ramen Masters to run pop-ups out there, so we get some cool stories. We also touch on Ramen Festival season and highlight some that are happening now, or coming up. The guys break down the Ramen Walker 2024 Tokyo issue. Frank and Brian touch upon some recent trends and new shops highlighted in the Walker. We also run through the annual Grand Prix and New Rookie lists. Do you agree with the rankings? Who would you put in? Shops mentioned in the pod: Maikagura らーめんMAIKAGURA Koike らぁめん小池 King Seimen キング製麺 Yatagarasu 八咫烏 Food Technique Berlin Kodawari Ramen Nagi すごい煮干ラーメン凪新宿ゴールデン街店 本館 Gokan Japanese Ramen 五感 Sakura Josui Funakoshi 桜上水 船越 Watanabe 渡なべ Mochiko Grand Prix Takano 中華そば 多賀野 Ramen FeeL Shichisai 麺や 七彩八丁堀店 Tengokuya 超純水採麺 天国屋 Benten 中華そば べんてん Top New Shops there is ramen Napoleon Ken 釜玉中華そば ナポレオン軒 Kamei 手打麺祭 かめ囲 Tokyo Ramen Festa Dai Tsukemen Haku Hokuriku Ramen Expo Ramen Expo Guest links: Ramen Adventures 5AM Ramen

Ramen Pharmacist's most recent hunting expedition took him to Wakayama, an underrated spot in the Ramen wilderness. This was a great chance to get him and other fans of Wakayama Ramen on the pod. Joined by Keizo Shimamoto as well as first time guest and Kansai based hunter, The Gourmet Bear. Keizo shares some updates, including a rare appearance of the Ramen Burger. We dive deep into the OG shops in Wakayama, and the fellas share some tips for navigating your way in this part of Kansai Shops mentioned in the pod: Ide Shouten 井出商店 Marutaka 本家アロチ 丸高 中華そば Urashima Shokudo うらしま食堂 Seino 和dining 清乃本店 Marutaka Kobe Branch 丸高中華そば神戸二宮店 Birdman BIRDMAN Fukumimi 中華そば ふくみみ Shibata 中華そば しば田 Macchibo 紀州和歌山ラーメン まっち棒溝の口店 Noriya Shokudo のりや食堂 Yamatame Shokudo 山為食堂 Marumiya 元車庫前まる宮本店 Guest links: Ramen Pharmacist Keizo Shimamoto The Gourmet Bear

What happens when a prominent Ramen Chef/YouTuber takes subliminal shots at the biggest Ramen YouTuber? Sparks fly!! Is there a right way and wrong way to eat Tsukemen? Are Ramen otaku's going overboard with their detailed description of the bowls? Listen as Ramen Beast and Ramen Guide break down the details and share their opinions of the drama. Shops mentioned in the pod: Totonoe ramen club トトノエ Gokan Japanese Ramen 五感 Hinari Ryuou ーめん亭 ひなり竜王 Shinsen 一番だしラーメン しんせん Hachan Ramen ハちゃんラーメン Taisei 麺家 たいせい Kizunaya 輝道家直系 皇綱家 Kidoya 横浜家系らーめん 輝道家 Musashiya 横浜ラーメン 武蔵家中野本店 Komuri 支那ソバ 小むろ Hachimitsu 手打ち正麺 Hachimitsu Tsumugi 麺庭 つむぎ Tsumugi らーめん紬麦 Waka Seimen 和渦製麺 Kanekatsu らーめん かねかつ Orandaken オランダ軒 Chitose 麺庵ちとせ Tsujita つじ田 Bario らーめん バリ男 Seika ら～めん盛華 Tsujita Box video Tsujita Box apology SusuruTV response Guest links: https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/ http://www.ramenbeast.com/

Have you listened to this podcast dreaming of making a Ramen trip to Japan? While it is fun to imagine, it can also be a bit daunting to figure out the logistics and scheduling. Ramen Fiendd and Ramen Pharmacist are two US based Hunters who join the pod to break down their recent excursion to Japan. With the overwhelming number of options, the fellas discuss their strategies for how to maximize their time on the ground. Get some tips for navigating Ramen Shops, the train system, and more with limited Japanese skills. They guys also break down their top three memorable bowls, so be sure to take notes! Shops mentioned in the pod: Kirimen らーめん 桐麺本店 Yoshimuraya 家系総本山 ラーメン吉村家 Uezu 中華蕎麦うゑず Tomita 中華蕎麦 とみ田 Debuchan 博多ラーメン でぶちゃん高田馬場本店 Ganja 頑者 Eifukucho Taishoken 永福町大勝軒 Bizentei 支那そば びぜん亭 Umemuraya Marucho 丸長荻窪本店 Ramen FeeL Crab Typhoon crab台風。 Kurosu 神保町黒須 Le Dessin ラーメン ル・デッサン Soupmen Iida Shoten らぁ麺 飯田商店湯河原本店 Mochiko Mukan むかん Ganso Nikutama Ochi 元祖 肉玉そば越智越谷店 Miyamoto 煮干しつけ麺 宮元 Kohaku 宍道湖しじみ中華蕎麦 琥珀東京本店 Hiiki らーめん飛粋 NIBOSHIMANIA Misen 中国台湾料理 味仙今池本店 Ramen Break Beats Ramen Afro Beats Golden Tiger ゴールデンタイガー

Join us on this episode of Ramen Hunter as we explore Ramen History with friends of the pod: Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan. Today we look into the legendary Class of '96. A group of shops including Menya Musashi, Aoba, and Kujiraken than pushed the Ramen into the 21st Century. Learn how the things we take for granted in modern shops trace their influence to this class, from bowl construction to design aesthetic. We also discuss the passing of two significant figures in the Ramen world: Shiroiwa Kurato-san of Nonokura, and Chin Kenichi of Iron Chef fame. The fellas break down their impact on the Ramen world. As always, a treat to have Abram and Cody share their knowledge. Shops mentioned in the pod: CLASS OF 96 Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵 Aoba 青葉 Kujiraken くじら軒 Tagano 中華そば 多賀野 Chabuya 柳麺ちゃぶ屋 Jiro Hitotsubashi Branch ラーメン二郎一橋学園店 MENSHO Afrobeats Konjiki Hototogisu SOBAHOUSE 金色不如帰新宿御苑本店 Jinrui Minna Menrui 人類みな麺類東京本店 Robinson 自家製麺 ロビンソン Edmond えどもんど Michi つけ麺 道 Kikka 吉華 自由が丘 Hashigo 支那麺 はしご Nakiryu 創作麺工房 鳴龍 Banraien 萬来園 Suzunoki 自家製手もみ麺 鈴ノ木 Shono 麺や 庄の Kikanbo カラシビ味噌らー麺 鬼金棒 Ashura 拉麺 阿修羅 Eburi 麺屋 江武里

First episode of 2023, and managed to trick Keizo Shimamoto into sitting down with me to talk Ramen. First we get into Keizo's recent trip to Japan with his family. Learn tips on how to manage family when you are trying to sneak in bowls during your vacation. Hear the story of how the Mochiko/Ramen FEEL pop-up came together. We also dig into current events, including Strawberry Shortcake Ramen (??). Last year Keizo put out an Onomichi Ramen kit, which prompted me to learn what defines "Onomichi Ramen". Keizo talks about his 2009 trip to Onomichi, and we get into the history of the Onomichi style, as well as which shops should be on your radar. As always, an honor to have Keizo on the pod. You don't want to miss this episode. https://www.instagram.com/goramen/

Ramen Festival season is over, and I wanted to get Brian of Ramen Adventures and Kim aka The Ramen Mistress to talk about their experience at the annual Dai Tsukemen Haku Festival in Tokyo. Before getting into this years festival, Brian and Kim talk about recent slurps. We also get into the updated Hyakumeiten (Tabelog Top 100) list for 2022. Some new additions to the lists this year. Find out which shops stand out. Dai Tsukemen Haku started in 2009, and we get to hear about its evolution over the years, as Brian has been there from day 1. Kim bring s fresh perspective as this is her first time attending. Hear about some interesting bowls, and get some tips if you plan on visiting next years event in October. https://www.instagram.com/ramenmistress/ https://www.instagram.com/ramenadventures/ http://www.ramenadventures.com/ https://award.tabelog.com/hyakumeiten/ramen_tokyo http://www.dai-tsukemen-haku.com/

Another year, another "Tokyo Ramen of the Year" review. Bringing back Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan for our annual discussion of the TRY rankings. Before getting into the magazine content, Abram shares some updates on the Mensho US operation including happenings at the Twitter building. Cody discusses the vibe in Tokyo with tourism openings up. We also touch on the passing of Onishi-san of Tsuta fame. The guys share their experiences at the shop, and address some of the news reported. RIP Onishi-san. This year TRY dropped a nationwide book along with their annual magazine. Cody breaks down the new book, and we do a deep dive on the shops mentioned in the TRY magazine rankings. Any controversial choices? Are the rankings on the up and up? Listen and see what the guys have to say. https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/ http://www.ramenbeast.com/

Able to get Frank from 5AM and Brian of Ramen Adventures back on the pod to discuss the Ramen Walker 2023 Tokyo guide. For those of you who don't know, Brian is a contributor to the Ramen Walker guides, so its always a treat to hear what he has to say. First we get to hear about Brian's recent Russia trip. Learn about the Ramen scene in places like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Siberia. We also get into the growing trend of Automated Restaurants, even in the noodle space. Brian's breaks down this years guide. Frank and Brian touch upon some recent trends and new shops highlighted in the Walker. We also run through the annual Grand Prix and New Rookie lists. Who made the lists this year? Agree or no? Another fun episode in what's become an annual tradition! Guest Links: http://www.ramenadventures.com/ https://5amramen.com/ https://www.instantramen.jp

Last year I stumbled across a new Ramen Hunter on IG who brought a perspective I've been really curious about: The Female Ramen Hunter. Kim aka The Ramen Mistress graces us with her presence and tells her story. Am joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to navigate the discussion. Learn about how Kim got her Ramen start, life in Yokohama, and hunting as a woman. Is her shop experience the same as with guys? Are there any unique services she experiences due to her gender? Find out all these questions and more. https://www.instagram.com/ramenmistress/ https://www.5amramen.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/5AMRamen https://www.instagram.com/5amramen/?hl=en

On a car ride through Modesto recently, I decided to grab a bowl at Konfucious Eats. I paid my respects to the chef Ernie and lo and behold he is a listener of Ramen Hunter! After staring at his Yamato Richmen Noodle Machine sitting in the restaurant floor, I knew I had to hear his story. Earnie got some of his friends to join the pod, so we're also blessed with the presence of Ryan from Oniyatai Ramen (Salem, OR) and Alan aka gamer.ramen, an up and coming Ramen creator. Hear their respective Ramen journeys, and how Ernie and Ryan got their hands on their Noodle Machines. I was blown away by how much all the guys accomplished in such a short time, and their passion for all things Ramen.

I saw an interesting tweet announcing a new Ramen Noodle company in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I had to investigate. Figured this would be a good time to talk specifically about noodles and give the listeners a taste of how complicated this rabbit hole is. I enlisted Mike Satinover aka Ramen Lord to help me in our discussion with Shotaro Uchida-san of Iseya Craft Noodle. Uchida-san is gearing up to launch in April this year, and we wanted to hear his story. Learn about the definitive ingredients that belong in any ramen noodle. Listen to Uchida-san and Ramen Lord discuss the different styles and techniques required. Learn about what equipment is involved. Learn the role of a "Seimenjo" or Noodle Producer in the Japan market. Here's hoping you leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the noodles in your bowl. Ramen Lord Iseya Craft Noodle

I got hit up by Shawn aka Ramen Fiend asking why I don't do an episode about Ramen Hunters in the US? This Schmoe was at a loss, and asked him to round up some friends to educate me on the Southern California Ramen scene. Ramen Fiend is joined by Ramen Zac, and Raphael (aka Yolo), and they drop knowledge on the evolution of Ramen in Southern California. Learn about the first dedicated Ramen shop that started in the 70's, along with the different trends that defined SoCal Ramen through the decades. The fellas share their top three must visit shops in the greater Los Angeles area, with the notable exclusion of Ramen Shack since that should be obvious to any self-respecting hunter. All in all, a good chance to nerd out on an area I need to visit. Ramen Fiend Ramen Zac http://ramenzac.com/ Yolodiabetic

Honored to sit down with Hideyuki Yamashita-san, founder of Yamachan Ramen and a Ramen veteran with over 40 years of experience. Yamashita-san shares the history of Nagasaki Champon, a style first served in 1907 at a shop called Shikairou. Learn how a chain called Ringer Hut took this style and made it famous across Japan. Hear about Yamashita-san's start in Ringer Hut Japan, and the journey to bring this chain to the US. We learn how Yamashita-san pivoted from Ringer Hut to his own brand, Yamachan Ramen. He also shares details about his wholesale operations that supplies Ramen Shops all across North America. A fascinating story that is not to be missed! *Apologies to Yamashita-san for the audio quality, as I did not get the levels properly adjusted https://www.yamachanramen.com/ Ringer Hut operations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kITfTbMyUhg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTjLR9ip-R4

Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan are back on the pod to discuss another issue of Tokyo Ramen of the Year (TRY) 2021-2022 magazine rankings. Before getting into the magazine content, we discuss a recent tweet storm that sent the Tokyo Ramen scene ablaze. What is a Ramen "critic", and what value do they have for shop owners. What happens when critics cross a line? We also into the new Tokyo Ramen of the Year (TRY) 2021-2022 magazine that dropped on 10/22. What do the fellas think of the rankings? Any controversial omissions? Is it worth your time and effort to visit some of these shops? Hear what Abram and Cody have to say, then come to your own conclusions https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/ http://www.ramenbeast.com/

Joined by the Frank from 5AM and Brian of Ramen Adventures fame to discuss the Ramen Walker 2022 Tokyo guide. Brian is an annual contributor to the guide, so his input is invaluable. First we get into recent slurps (1:34). We discuss an update to the Tokyo Ramen Street in Tokyo Station (9:24). We also touch upon the growing trend of frozen ramen (12:02). I ask the guys their thoughts on the cancellation of the Dai Tsukemen Rahaku Event (17:21). Brian's kicks off the Ramen Walker 2022 discussion (23:40). We get into the new shops featured (28:00). Later on we get into the various rankings (38:12) such as the Hall of Fame, New Shops, and General Rankings. Learn who made the Ramen Walker lists and feel free to agree or disagree with their choices. The guys explain other parts of the guide (57:32) including the use of pop idols to highlight different ramen topics. We finish up by discussing how we use the information in the guide to brush up on our shop knowledge and get around town. Guest Links: http://www.ramenadventures.com/ https://5amramen.com/ https://www.instantramen.jp

Joined by the Ramen Hunting crew of Noodle Slurp, Ramen Guide Japan, and Nama Japan. First we discuss recent slurps (1:44). We also get into Nama Japan's story (11:15) and learn about his website and YouTube channel. Later on, Ramen Guide Japan shares some secrets to increasing web traffic and sales on websites (19:49). We get into the history of Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto (25:11), a Spicy Ramen chain that has a cult following. Noodle Slurp is THE expert in the English speaking world on Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto and he walks us through their story. The guys talk about the charismatic President, Shirane-san (29:40), and describe the bowls (33:10). Cody explains the difference between Tanmen, and Tantanmen (26:41), which some eaters get confused when visiting. We touch upon Shirane-san's tight control over his Ramen brand (42:11) which includes some legal drama with a franchisee. Noodle Slurp breaks down the limited edition "gentei" bowls for us (46:55), and explains the spiciness levels (51:30). We also discuss the point system and merch you can get (1:01:31). Some customers go to extreme lengths to complete their collections. Guest Links: https://www.instagram.com/thenoodleslurp https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ramenguidejapan/ https://www.namajapan.tv/ https://www.youtube.com/c/NamaJapan

Joined by friends of the pod, Abram Plaut and Keizo Shimamoto! First we discuss Keizo's new position as Director of Innovation at Myojo Noodle (0:44) Abram also shares updates on MENSHO's activities in the US (9:00). The guys also discuss the new trend in Japan of Ramen Vending Machines with frozen noodle kits (15:13). Will this be a thing?? We get into the background of Kannana (33:40), a 50km road arcing around Tokyo that is dotted with Ramen shops. This stretch of road heated up in the 80's in 90's, with legendary shops leaving their mark on the Ramen history. Before jumping into shops on Kannana, we start with Hope Ken Honpo in Kichijoji (39:36), which introduced Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen to Tokyo. We discuss how shops from the extended tree of Hope Ken Honpo went on to be major players in the Kannana boom. We get into Kannana legends Tosakko, OG Seabura Chacha-kei spot (47:20) and Nandenkanden (56:48). We also discuss present day Kannana and some notable shops (1:08:58). Guest Links: https://www.instagram.com/goramen/ https://www.myojousa.com/ http://www.ramenbeast.com/

Bizentei is a fantastic Ramen Shop that's been around since 1979. On a trip earlier this year I noticed a poster for "Come Back Anytime", an upcoming documentary about the shop. My curiosity was piqued, and reached out to Director John Daschbach and Producer Wataru Yamamoto to discuss their project. John and Wataru share what inspired them to make the film, and give us wonderful stories about the Master Ueda-san and his wife. Bizentei has no successor so watch as Ueda-san lives life to the fullest before his shop disappears. Learn what makes Bizentei so compelling, and put it on your list when you visit Tokyo. "Come Back Anytime" is getting its world premier at the Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival on April 29th. If you are in Canada, check it out. If not, make sure to check out the "Come Back Anytime" website for updates on a wider release. Guest links: https://www.comebackanytime.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jdtokyo/ https://www.instagram.com/wattseywat/

A recent trip to the Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum inspired me to do an episode on instant noodles. Gathered up my old friend 5AM Ramen along with the greatest instant ramen expert in the world, Hans aka The Ramen Rater. The guys talk about recent slurps (1:46) including a product that can best be described as "motel air conditioning" flavored (4:22). Hans tells us about his start as The Ramen Rater (13:00). We dig into the life story of Ando Momofuku-san (24:12), the founder of Nissin Foods and the reason for instant ramen's success around the world. Learn about his trials and tribulations, and ultimately his breakthrough that changed the food world forever. Guest links: https://www.theramenrater.com/ https://5amramen.com/ https://www.instantramen.jp