Toyama Black Ramen: The Ramen of Hokuriku

Ramen. Easily one of the most recognized Japanese foods. However, immensely popular foods unsurprisingly have lots of regional varieties t. Toyama Black Ramen stands out as one of the most intriguing. Toyama City, this ramen features a broth that is dark as night. The rich and salty flavors of the broth place this noodle soup in a class of its own. Toyama Black Ramen is one of the most distinctive bowls of ramen I’ve ever encountered. 

About Toyama Black Ramen

Most sources agree that Toyama Black Ramen originated around 1950 to cater to the workers involved in the reconstruction of Toyama City after World War II. These workers spent their days engaged in hard back-breaking labor– needless to say they’d break a sweat! The saltiness of the ramen was designed to help them recover from their hard work and provide them with plenty of energy.

While many ramen fellows believe that the soup is the single most important component of ramen, you are supposed to drink the soup of Toyama Black Ramen as it is quite salty (and for ramen that is saying a lot!). The intense saltiness is why this ramen was originally eaten with rice.

A Local Favorite

Toyama Black Ramen is available at many ramen restaurants throughout Toyama Prefecture. However, because of this overwhelming popularity regular ramen is a little less common. We encourage you to check out the website of the restaurant you’re thinking of visiting– just in case. 

This type of ramen features a seafood broth and its iconic deep black color. The dish typically includes menma (bamboo shoots), leeks, and chashu pork. Before eating, diners are encouraged to stir the ramen to allow all the ingredients, including the noodles, to soak up the flavorful soup. The chashu pork is incredibly tender and complements the strong flavor of the broth very well. 

Upon tasting, you’ll immediately enjoy the rich flavor of the soup. The serving of chashu pork is usually generous, making one bowl of ramen quite filling.

If you’re ever in Toyama City do not pass up a chance to try this endearing local favorite, espeically after a long day!