Ramen: Japan`s “National Food” with Chinese Roots

With its origins in China, Ramen has come to be regarded today as the national food of Japan.  There are many stories about its true beginnings, but the most prominent version is that it all started with a noodle made in Northern China known as 拉面 (“Ra-mian”).  In Chinese, the character 拉 (“Ra”) means “to stretch,” which referred to the technique of giving noodles their shape by stretching them by hand.  For years, Ramen was called “Chinese noodles.”  It eventually it made its way to every corner of Japan thanks to the roving street food vendors of old, and today it has become Japan`s most beloved “comfort food.”

The King of Regional Ramens, “Tonkotsu Ramen”

During the 1940s, as Ramen spread quickly throughout Japan, different regions started to develop their own “local styles,” each with their own particular characteristics.  One of the most famous regional styles of Ramen is Tonkotsu (“pork bone soup”) Ramen, which can be found throughout Kyushu, in the southern part of Japan.  With its creamy white soup stock, made by slowly boiling pork bones over a long period, and a special sweet soy sauce, Tonkotsu Ramen has emerged as the King of Regional Ramens.  While many types of Ramen have come and gone over the past 30 years, some even creating their own “boom” periods for a while, Japan has always loved and stood by its Tonkotsu Ramen.  In particular, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, which is the origin of Yoshimaru Ramen, is considered the representative style of Tonkotsu Ramen.  Today, people regard Hakata Ramen as popular and the same as Tonkotsu Ramen. 

“Continuously Refining the Beloved Hakata Ramen Taste,”
is at the Heart of Yoshimaru

Yoshimaru's roots are in Hakata Ramen.  Yoshimaru bears the torch of Hakata and serves its authentic Hakata Ramen without compromise.  Yoshimaru makes the base of its rich and refined soup broth by delicately boiling the finest quality pork bones.  A special soy sauce called “Jokyu,” which is an old and established brand from Hakata, is used to enhance the soup.  Authentic, ultra thin Hakata style noodles are used, which are known for their sophisticated flavor.  Our pledge is to use only the best ingredients to continue to refine and serve only the finest quality Hakata style Tonkotsu Ramen. We invite you to come and savor the real deal, the taste of Yoshimaru's Hakata style Tonkotsu Ramen.