It was late night in a Narita hotel near the airport. Everything was closed, but my hunger wouldn't let me sleep. Wandered the halls of the hotel and stumbled up a Yo-Kai Ramen vending machine.
Ordered something called Ahsikawa Miso Butter Ramen expecting Cup Noodle quality. I was so wrong. Now my life will never be the same.
Someone please tell me, how do I find this flavor of Ramen outside of Japan?! Currently in the Philippines and there a few ramen chains I could try (Ippudo, Katsu Sora, Yayoi, and Ramen Nagi to name a few) but I'm not sure what to order. Is it called Ashikawa Butter Ramen everywhere?
Here's the translated description from the vending machine in case you're curious:
"We added butter, a standard topping, to Miso Ramen, a popular Hokkaido ramen dish. The miso is a blend of white and red miso made in Asahikawa, and is mixed with sautéed onions to create a soup that brings out the richness and sweetness. Pair it with medium-thick curly noodles and the corn topping, and enjoy a piping hot bowl!"
by nevertoolate1983
3 comments
That isn’t a ‘flavor’ of broth or ‘type’ or ramen. In Hokkaido they literally optionally as a topping just put a block of butter and load of sweetcorn in their miso ramen (which is the ‘famous’ ramen in that region – and Asahikawa is one of the cities in Hokkaido popular for it with their own slight twist), and yes it is amazing especially after a night of drinking. I’m guessing your vending machine one just had some artificial flavoring to taste like the butter and miso.
I don’t think any of those chains you mentioned will do butter as a topping tbh – and they’re all different styles of ramen (Ippudo is tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka for example). You’re looking for a Hokkaido style miso ramen place that has butter as an option.
I recommend Ippudo ramen.
Nissin cup noodle can satisfy your ramen cravings