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

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

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/

Joined on this episode by friends of the pod Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan.

We first talk about recent slurps, including Ramen Mu (6:21) which provides syringes to shoot up your ramen bowl. Abram recommends Shimomae Shoten (11:27) in Yokohama  Chinatown. Edwin asks the guys about their thoughts on a new "healthier noodle" product launched by Sakai Seimen (13:12).

We get into a legendary Tokyo shop called Ichijo-ryu Ganko Ramen (18:15). You won't find this shop in Michelin or any publications. Strictly for the heads! Learn the backstory, the lineage, and the magic that goes into the bowl. 

Some links about the shop:
http://ganko1joh.hatenablog.jp/ (Ichijo-san's daily blog about the shop)
http://www.goramen.com/2011/09/hero.html
http://www.goramen.com/2011/09/stubborn-special.html (Shout-out to Keizo for sharing these stories)

Guest links:
https://www.instagram.com/no_ramen_here
https://ramenbeast.com/
https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ramenguidejapan/

Joined on this episode by friends of the pod Abram aka Ramen Beast, Brian aka Ramen Adventures, and first time guest Mike Satinover aka Ramen Lord.

Listen as Brian experiences an extortion attempt while we are recording! We cover some recently slurped bowls, and talk about Mike's Ramen journey through Sapporo to his home kitchen in Chicago. 

The guys kick knowledge on Sapporo style Miso Ramen, from the pre-Miso years to the OG shop Aji no Sanpei. We cover the evolution of the Miso Ramen scene in Sapporo, and pick some of our top shops. Get ready to be "edumacated".


http://www.ramenadventures.com/
http://www.ramenbeast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ramen__lord/

Joined this episode by the friends of the pod Abram aka Ramen Beast, Brian from Ramen Adventures, and Frank from 5AM Ramen.

We touch on the recently announced Michelin Guide Ramen list, as well as the Tabelog Top 100. Is Brian a secret Michelin reviewer??

The guys also share their picks  (bowls eaten in 2020) for the following:

- Overall top 3 shops
- Shop that required the most effort to get to
- Coolest shop atmosphere
- Shop that best represents 2020 to you
- Shop that could be a trendsetter for 2021

2020 has been a tough year for all, but hopefully the picks by these Ramen Hunters will give you something to look forward to in 2021.

http://www.ramenbeast.com/
http://www.ramenadventures.com/
http://5amramen.com/

Joined this episode by the friends of the pod Abram aka Ramen Beast and Keizo Shimamoto, noted LA Clippers fan.

We get into current events, especially the recent effects of COVID19 on Abram and Keizo.

Also get to hear about Abram's crazy trip to Fukuoka which segues into a deep dive into Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen. We cover some of the history, and Keizo walks us through the tricky process of cooking the stuff.

We also get into how Hakata Ramen blew up and became a global phenomenon. The guys share their recommendations for top bowls in US as well as Tokyo.

https://www.instagram.com/goramen/
http://www.ramenbeast.com/

Joined this episode by the famed Ramen Hunters Brian from Ramen Adventures and Frank from 5AM Ramen.

The guys share their experience at the newly launched Ramen Walker Kitchen in Saitama, featuring a "who's who" of Ramen Masters. We also get into Franks recent travels in Aomori prefecture to sample the local Ramen styles. Learn about Tsugaru Niboshi Ramen and the infamous Miso Curry Milk Ramen.

We also review the Fuji TV Ramen special "鬼旨ラーメングランプリ第二弾" that aired on 11/08/2020. This show featured 46 shops across various categories, and Brian and Frank weigh in with their thoughts.

http://www.ramenadventures.com/
http://5amramen.com/

Am joined this episode by Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan, two elite English speaking Ramen Hunters. These guys are on a mission to hit-up every Ramen Jiro, a soul crushing style of Ramen know for volumes of noodles, vegetables, and oil.

Ramen Jiro is a genre that literally has a cult following. Ramen Jiro is also notorious for shunning media, so it's tough to get English language (and even Japanese) info. Jiro Heads are not necessarily Ramen Heads, so the culture has evolved in a bubble. Listen as Cody and Abram peel back the curtain on this legendary style.

We also touch on the new Tokyo Ramen of the Year (TRY) 2020-2021 magazine that dropped on 10/22. What do some top Ramen Hunters think of the rankings?

https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/
http://www.ramenbeast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tokyoramenoftheyear

Abram Plaut aka Ramen Beast joins the pod for a chat. We cover his journey morphing into the Ramen Beast, as well as his involvement with Menya Shono's overseas projects. We also dig into his Ramen travels, specifically his recent trip to Okayama prefecture which has some hidden ramen secrets. Do they really put Tonkatsu in Tonkotsu?? Abram also tells us about some of the elusive bowls on his wish list. 

Listen closely, and take notes on what it truly takes to call ones self a Ramen Hunter!!

Frank from 5AM Ramen joins as we have a conversation with Ramen Walker contributor Brian MacDuckston of Ramen Adventures. Ramen Walker publishes an annual guide of worthwhile shops to check out, and we dig into the Tokyo edition that dropped on 9/07. We touch on new shops, the best of various styles, the Grand Prix Rankings, and more! This years edition features 429 shops, so its a bit overwhelming. Join as as we navigate the content and talk about shops we are excited about.

Ramen Walker Tokyo 2021 available at the link below:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3Walker%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC2021-%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF/dp/4048968629

Brian MacDuckston of Ramen Adventures fame sits down for a pod! We dig into the tools that Ramen Hunters use to guide their slurping activities. Hear about his involvement with Ramen Walker, one of the top annual guides for Ramen content across Japan. We also get into Brian's TV appearances and interaction with pop idols. Make sure to Google "Go!オスカル!X21" to see some of his hilarious appearances. In honor of (the end of) summer, we also discuss the combination of Ramen and Shaved Ice.  A natural pairing...

Learn about all this and more in this chat with Brian!

Keizo Shimamoto of Ramen Shack/Ramen Burger fame sits down for a chat. We cover his blogging days and journey to Japan. Learn about Tantantei and other shops that influenced Keizo. We also discuss going from being jobless in New York to becoming an overnight sensation with the Ramen Burger. Learn the story behind the Ramen Shack and his current project, Shimamoto Noodle.

Most importantly, listen to the end in order to learn Keizo's DJ name! 

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

Frank (5AM Ramen) and I are joined by The Noodle Slurp, an accomplished Ramen Hunter with deep experience in the Osaka area. We pick his brain about Takaida-kei shops, as well as the New School boom taking place in the area. Learn about the shops making the biggest impact out there. We also discuss The Noodle Slurp's recent move to Tokyo, and differences in the respective Ramen markets For those unfamiliar with the Osaka Ramen scene, a great chance to hear tales from another Hunter!

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen as he shares his exploration of Abura Soba, or Soupless Ramen. Frank highlights several shops that are early pioneers, including Sankou and Chinchintei. We also discuss a recent experience at a Michelin starred shop, leading to a Schmoe rant. Our favorite Ramen Drama comes to a close, so Frank and I review the final episode of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki (Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo). In this episode a rival Ramen group undercuts our protagonists shop with a cheaper copycat bowl. How did our hero get out of this pickle, and is there any basis in reality?

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen as we share our top picks for the strangest bowls we've had. Did Pineapple Ramen make the list? How about Pizza Ramen? We also break down Episode 7 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki (airing Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo). In this episode our protagonist provides consulting to a shop in a Ramen Theme Park. What are some of the pitfalls that can befall an ill prepared shop?  Frank and I discuss the advice given to the shop.

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to dig into regional Tantanmen styles. We look into Hiroshima's Soupless Tantanmen and Katsuura (Chiba prefecture) style Tantanmen. How did they come about? Who were their target customers? Listen to find the answers! We also break down Episode 6 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki (airing Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo). In this episode our protagonist goes into competition with a rival firm to come up with the ideal bowl for college kids and salarymen.  Frank and I discuss the strategy behind each bowl and give our personal preferences.

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to explore the roots of Tantanmen in Japan. What is the connection with an Iron Chef? When Yakuza trouble brews, where do they squash beef? Listen to find the answers! We also break down Episode 5 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki, the Ramen Drama airing Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo. 

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to explore the different iterations of Taishoken, the legendary shop that is credited as the birthplace of Tsukemen. We break down Higashi Ikebukuro and Eifukucho versions of Taishoken. We also discuss the California branch of Taishoken and explain where it fits in the big picture. Be warned it gets quite nerdy at times. We also break down Episode 4 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki, the Ramen Drama airing on TV Tokyo. How does one go about starting a Ramen shop on limited funds? Check out his episode to find out how.

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to explore the different iterations of Taishoken. We discuss the history of Taishoken and how it gave birth to Tsukemen. Be warned it gets quite nerdy at times. We also break down Episode 3 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki, the new Ramen Drama airing on TV Tokyo.

The very first episode of Ramen Hunter! I sit down with Frank from 5AM Ramen to discuss current events in the Japan Ramen scene. How are Ramen shops in Japan dealing with COVID-19? Frank and I also re-cap the newest J-Drama series "Ramen Saiyuki" airing on Tokyo TV, breaking down the first episode. We also discuss Chibakiya, the founding father of the half-boiled Ramen egg  that is now popular throughout the Ramen World.

Ramen Hunter Podcast dropping soon!

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