Among the ramen shops scattered throughout Aomori City, the Furukawa area is particularly known as a “ramen battleground” with a high density of famous restaurants. There are reasons beyond mere coincidence why Aomori’s representative popular shops gather in this area. This article explores why famous ramen shops congregate in the Furukawa area, the charm of representative shops, and the unique culture born from this competitive environment.
What is the Furukawa Area? – A Corner of Aomori Ramen Culture
Geographical Features and History
The Furukawa area is a district located slightly east of central Aomori City. It formerly developed as a residential area adjacent to the central shopping district, and during the post-war reconstruction period, many shops and restaurants lined the streets. Historically, it is said that ramen shops began operating in this area around the mid-Showa era, gradually acquiring the identity of a “ramen town.”
Reasons for the Concentration of Famous Shops
Several reasons are considered for the concentration of famous ramen shops in the Furukawa area.
- Location: It’s an environment where various people can easily gather, as major national roads are nearby, and there are office districts, residential areas, and schools in the vicinity.
- Synergistic Effect: The success of preceding popular shops is thought to have attracted new openings, and competition improved the overall level of the area.
- Water: There is a theory that the former easy access to good quality water was advantageous for making delicious soup.
- Local Food Culture: Being close to shopping streets and markets, the area originally had a high interest in “food.” Especially the high demand for warm ramen during the cold winter is considered a factor in the culture taking root.
Representative Popular Shops in the Furukawa Area
Asari
- Founding and History: A long-established shop reportedly founded in 1965. Originally a Chinese restaurant, it’s said ramen became popular and they specialized.
- Former Signature Menu: Before relocation, “Stamina Ramen” was known as the signature menu. It featured plenty of green onions and chashu (roasted pork) (Current availability unknown). Miso and shoyu ramen were also served.
- Soup/Noodle Characteristics: The base was considered a shoyu (soy sauce) base with umami from niboshi and meat. Medium-thick noodles were used.
- Note: As repeated, please be sure to check the latest information regarding the relocated shop and its menu.
Marukai Ramen
- Founding and History: Considered one of the oldest ramen shops in Aomori City, reportedly founded in 1962. It has continued to serve simple shoyu ramen for many years.
- Shop Characteristics and Atmosphere: Although the interior is small, it bustles with many customers. It opens at 10:30 AM, and queues often form before noon.
- Signature Menu: Basically only “Shoyu Ramen.” Sizes can be chosen from “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large.” Side dishes are very limited, such as salmon onigiri (rice balls).
- Soup Characteristics: A clear shoyu-based soup. You can taste the flavor of seafood like niboshi, offering a simple yet deep umami.
- Dedication to Noodles: Uses thin straight noodles with a unique flavor and texture.
- Local Reputation: It has enduring popularity as one of the “soul ramens of Aomori citizens,” loved for its simplicity and unchanging taste over the years.
Aji no Sapporo Onishi
- Founding and History: A long-established shop reportedly founded in 1958. Nationally known as the originator of Aomori’s specialty “Miso Curry Milk Ramen.”
- Shop Characteristics and Atmosphere: The interior has a homey and warm atmosphere, decorated with materials related to Miso Curry Milk Ramen.
- Signature Menu: Undoubtedly the “Miso Curry Milk Ramen.” Despite the unique combination of miso, curry, and milk, it achieves an exquisite balance, attracting many fans. Regular miso, shio (salt), and shoyu ramen are also offered.
- Soup Characteristics: As the name suggests, Miso Curry Milk Ramen has a one-of-a-kind soup made by adding curry powder and milk to a miso base. The creaminess and spiciness create a mysterious harmony.
- Dedication to Noodles: Mainly uses medium-thick curly noodles, designed to pair well with the rich soup.
- Local Reputation: Praised as “Aomori’s unique and original bowl,” it has enthusiastic fans not only among tourists but also locals.
Capable Shops in and around the Furukawa Area
Besides the above, other unique ramen shops exist in and around the Furukawa area.
- Aji no Sapporo Asari: Like “Aji no Sapporo Onishi,” it carries the “Aji no Sapporo” name and serves Miso Curry Milk Ramen. Natto ramen is also one of its popular menu items.
- Sapporo Kan: Located along the national highway, serving Miso Curry Milk Ramen, etc.
- Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen Kawara: Gaining popularity by serving Miso Curry Milk Ramen with a modern approach.
- Nishi Chūkasoba-ten: A relatively new shop serving ramen with a focus on niboshi.
- Hanamaru Ramen: A shop offering its own unique and distinctive ramen.
These shops also contribute to shaping the diversity of ramen culture in the Furukawa area. (*Please be sure to check the latest information regarding each shop’s menu, characteristics, and operating status.*)
Culture Unique to the Competitive Furukawa Area
- Taste Diversification: Amidst fierce competition, each shop has pursued its unique taste. Completely different personalities coexist within the same area, such as Asari’s (pre-relocation) stamina-style, Marukai’s light niboshi shoyu, and Aji no Sapporo Onishi’s original bowl.
- Varying Business Hours: Opening and closing times differ by shop; some are open only for lunch, while others operate relatively late into the evening.
- Toppings/Side Menus: Each shop differentiates itself with unique toppings and side menus like chashu, onigiri, flavored eggs (ajitamago), natto, etc.
- Catering to Diverse Customers: Shops offering classic tastes loved by locals for years coexist with those having specialty menus popular among tourists, meeting various needs.
Evolving Furukawa Area – New Movements
The Furukawa area features not only long-established shops preserving tradition but also new shops taking on challenges. New shops with an even stronger focus on niboshi or unique shops pursuing original soups are joining, and the area’s ramen scene continues to evolve. The movement in this area where tradition and innovation coexist might lead to the future of Aomori ramen as a whole.
Ramen Culture Rooted in the Community
Ramen in the Furukawa area is not just food but part of the region’s lifestyle culture. Many locals seem to choose different shops depending on their mood, the time of day, or who they are visiting with. Long-time fans have their cherished shops, and the taste is familiar across generations. The individuality and history of each shop add color to Aomori’s food life.
About Touring Ramen Shops in the Furukawa Area
While the Furukawa area concentrates many attractive ramen shops, keep the following points in mind when visiting multiple locations:
- Portion Control: Many shops allow you to choose the noodle portion size. If you plan a ramen crawl, make a reasonable plan, such as choosing the “Small” size.
- Check Business Hours/Holidays: Each shop’s operating hours differ. Especially for shops open only for lunch or with irregular holidays, be sure to check the latest information before visiting.
- Crowds: Expect heavy crowds during lunchtime (especially around 12 PM). If possible, try visiting at off-peak times.
- Health Management: Eating multiple bowls of ramen in a short period can be taxing on the body. Enjoy within a reasonable range according to your physical condition.
Conclusion – The Depth of Aomori Ramen Told by the Furukawa Area
The Furukawa area is not just a ramen battleground but one of the places symbolizing Aomori’s food culture. The diverse ramen born and evolved here is deeply rooted in Aomori’s climate, environment, and people’s lives. Shops with distinct personalities coexist and compete, enriching Aomori’s ramen culture. And even now, new generations are joining, spinning tales of tradition and innovation.
When visiting Aomori, please explore the Furukawa area and its surroundings to experience its profound ramen culture. Visiting multiple shops in one day might be tough on the stomach, but the ability to experience such diverse personalities is the charm of this area. Enjoy comparing tastes within a reasonable range. The ramen shops in the Furukawa area are more than just eateries; they are entities that let you feel Aomori’s food culture and regional history.
