NAGOYA, AICHI - RAMEN JAPAN

Nagoya's Unique Food Culture [0:00]

• Nagoya is known for "Nagoya Meshi," local twists on Japanese classics.
• Examples include miso-based udon broth, anko on toast, and Chinese-style pasta sauce.
• There are approximately 22 recognized Nagoya Meshi dishes.

  "With its idiosyncratic foodways, naturally, the way Nagoya does ramen is also a little different."

The "Uchuu" Noodle Fusion [0:31]

• Some Nagoya udon shops serve a dish called "Uchuu," meaning "outer space."
• It's a mix of udon noodles and "chukamen" (ramen noodles).
• The name "Uchuu" combines "u" from udon and "chu" from chukamen.

  "The u from udon and the chu from chukamen combine to form Uchuu."

Triple Noodle "Uchuu" [1:03]

• A more extreme version of Uchuu includes udon, soba, and chukamen noodles in one bowl.
• This reflects Nagoya's desire to combine favorite elements.

  "Uchuu is udon, soba, and chukamen ramen. Three types of noodles in one dish."

Yakuzen Ramen: Medicinal Cooking [1:32]

• "Yakuzen ramen" translates to "medicinal cooking."
• These dishes are based on traditional Eastern medicine principles.
• The creator, Kaede Akira, sought healthier ramen ingredients.

  "Aiming to create a healthier style of ramen, he traveled all over in search of ingredients."

Yakuzen Ramen's Unique Broth [1:59]

• Yakuzen ramen avoids lard and removes fat from chicken stock.
• Ingredients like dried citrus peel, ginseng, and herbs are added instead of fat.
• Seasonings like ginseng-infused vinegar are also used.

  "The secret is in the soup. The lard, an essential flavor element for most ramen, isn't used at all."

The Yakuzen Tradition [2:23]

• The shop is run by an apprentice who trained under the master.
• The current owner, Tanaka, has maintained a tradition of sharing ramen with his wife, Ayako, after closing for 49 years.

  "This spirit of loving care is found in every spoonful and every bite of Yakuzen ramen."

Taiwan Ramen Arrives in Nagoya [2:47]

• "Taiwan ramen" is a deep red, spicy ramen dish.
• It uses a chicken and vegetable broth with Taiwanese-style ground pork.
• The pork is topped with a large amount of red chili.

  "Taiwan-style ground pork, a tear-inducing mountain of red chili is added to the meat."

Niyama Naoto's Taiwan Maze Soba [3:12]

• Niyama Naoto, born in Nagoya, created "Taiwan Maze Soba."
• This is a brothless ramen featuring the same spicy ground pork.
• Ultra-thick noodles are used, and the extreme spiciness of the original is toned down.

  "His Taiwan Maze Soba is a ramen with no broth. It features the same ground pork on top for ground meat."

Nagoya Meshi Recognition [3:38]

• Niyama's Taiwan Maze Soba was a runner-up in a contest for new local originals.
• It was officially recognized as Nagoya Meshi.

  "From countless influences and food ways, Nagoya has created ramen that's all its own."