Have you listened to this podcast dreaming of making a Ramen trip to Japan? While it is fun to imagine, it can also be a bit daunting to figure out the logistics and scheduling. Ramen Fiendd and Ramen Pharmacist are two US based Hunters who join the pod to break down their recent excursion to Japan.With the overwhelming number of options, the fellas discuss their strategies for how to maximize their time on the ground. Get some tips for navigating Ramen Shops, the train system, and more with limited Japanese skills. They guys also break down their top three memorable bowls, so be sure to take notes!Shops mentioned in the pod:Kirimen らーめん 桐麺本店Yoshimuraya 家系総本山 ラーメン吉村家Uezu 中華蕎麦うゑずTomita 中華蕎麦 とみ田Debuchan 博多ラーメン でぶちゃん高田馬場本店Ganja 頑者Eifukucho Taishoken 永福町大勝軒Bizentei 支那そば びぜん亭Umemuraya Marucho 丸長荻窪本店Ramen FeeL Crab Typhoon crab台風。Kurosu 神保町黒須Le Dessin ラーメン ル・デッサンSoupmenIida Shoten らぁ麺 飯田商店湯河原本店MochikoMukan むかんGanso Nikutama Ochi 元祖 肉玉そば越智越谷店Miyamoto 煮干しつけ麺 宮元Kohaku 宍道湖しじみ中華蕎麦 琥珀東京本店Hiiki らーめん飛粋NIBOSHIMANIAMisen 中国台湾料理 味仙今池本店Ramen Break BeatsRamen Afro BeatsGolden Tiger ゴールデンタイガー

Join us on this episode of Ramen Hunter as we explore Ramen History with friends of the pod: Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan. Today we look into the legendary Class of '96. A group of shops including Menya Musashi, Aoba, and Kujiraken than pushed the Ramen into the 21st Century. Learn how the things we take for granted in modern shops trace their influence to this class, from bowl construction to design aesthetic.We also discuss the passing of two significant figures in the Ramen world: Shiroiwa Kurato-san of Nonokura, and Chin Kenichi of Iron Chef fame. The fellas break down their impact on the Ramen world.As always, a treat to have Abram and Cody share their knowledge.Shops mentioned in the pod:CLASS OF 96Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵Aoba 青葉Kujiraken くじら軒Tagano　中華そば 多賀野Chabuya　柳麺ちゃぶ屋Jiro Hitotsubashi Branch ラーメン二郎一橋学園店MENSHOAfrobeatsKonjiki Hototogisu　SOBAHOUSE 金色不如帰新宿御苑本店Jinrui Minna Menrui　人類みな麺類東京本店Robinson 自家製麺 ロビンソンEdmond えどもんどMichi つけ麺 道Kikka 吉華 自由が丘Hashigo 支那麺 はしごNakiryu 創作麺工房 鳴龍Banraien 萬来園Suzunoki 自家製手もみ麺 鈴ノ木Shono 麺や 庄のKikanbo カラシビ味噌らー麺 鬼金棒Ashura 拉麺 阿修羅Eburi 麺屋 江武里

First episode of 2023, and managed to trick Keizo Shimamoto into sitting down with me to talk Ramen.First we get into Keizo's recent trip to Japan with his family. Learn tips on how to manage family when you are trying to sneak in bowls during your vacation. Hear the story of how the Mochiko/Ramen FEEL pop-up came together. We also dig into current events, including Strawberry Shortcake Ramen (??).Last year Keizo put out an Onomichi Ramen kit, which prompted me to learn what defines "Onomichi Ramen". Keizo talks about his 2009 trip to Onomichi, and we get into the history of the Onomichi style, as well as which shops should be on your radar.As always, an honor to have Keizo on the pod. You don't want to miss this episode.https://www.instagram.com/goramen/

Ramen Festival season is over, and I wanted to get Brian of Ramen Adventures and Kim aka The Ramen Mistress to talk about their experience at the annual Dai Tsukemen Haku Festival in Tokyo.Before getting into this years festival, Brian and Kim talk about recent slurps. We also get into the updated Hyakumeiten (Tabelog Top 100) list for 2022. Some new additions to the lists this year. Find out which shops stand out.Dai Tsukemen Haku started in 2009, and we get to hear about its evolution over the years, as Brian has been there from day 1. Kim bring s fresh perspective as this is her first time attending. Hear about some interesting bowls, and get some tips if you plan on visiting next years event in October.https://www.instagram.com/ramenmistress/https://www.instagram.com/ramenadventures/http://www.ramenadventures.com/https://award.tabelog.com/hyakumeiten/ramen_tokyohttp://www.dai-tsukemen-haku.com/

Another year, another "Tokyo Ramen of the Year" review.  Bringing back Abram aka Ramen Beast and Cody aka Ramen Guide Japan for our annual discussion of the TRY rankings. Before getting into the magazine content, Abram shares some updates on the Mensho US operation including happenings at the Twitter building. Cody discusses the vibe in Tokyo with tourism openings up.We also touch on the passing of Onishi-san of Tsuta fame. The guys share their experiences at the shop, and address some of the news reported. RIP Onishi-san.This year TRY dropped a nationwide book along with their annual magazine. Cody breaks down the new book, and we do a deep dive on the shops mentioned in the TRY magazine rankings. Any controversial choices? Are the rankings on the up and up? Listen and see what the guys have to say.https://www.ramenguidejapan.com/http://www.ramenbeast.com/