Ramen Hakata is a Japanese noodle dish that originated in Fukuoka, located on the southern island of Kyushu. It is known for its tonkatsu (pork bone) broth, which is made by simmering pork bones for hours to extract the rich, creamy flavor. The broth is typically served with thin, firm noodles and toppings such as chashu (sliced pork), green onions, and garlic. Some popular variations of Ramen Hakata include adding spicy seasoning or miso paste to the broth. It is a trendy dish in Japan and also in many other countries.
What Does Hakata Ramen Taste Like
Hakata ramen is known for its: Rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth
Thin, firm noodles complex flavor profile that combines savory, salty, and slightly fatty notes
Strong umami taste from the broth Toppings such as chashu (sliced pork), green onions, and garlic
Some variations may include spicy seasoning or miso paste to the broth
Simmering pork bones typically make broth for hours to extract the rich, creamy flavor
It is a savory and satisfying dish.
Why Is Ramen Hakata So Popular
Ramen Hakata is so famous for several reasons:
Tonkotsu broth: The broth is made by simmering pork bones for hours, creating a rich and creamy flavor unique to Hakata-style ramen.
Noodles: The thin, firm noodles used in Hakata ramen are specially made to complement the broth and provide a satisfying texture.
Complex flavor: The combination of savory, salty, and slightly fatty notes in the broth, along with the umami taste, creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to many people.
Toppings: Common toppings such as chashu (sliced pork), green onions, and garlic provide a nice balance to the broth and add a variety of textures to the dish.
Regional pride: Hakata ramen originated in the city of Fukuoka, located on the southern island of Kyushu, which is known for its food culture and regional pride, so it is considered a special dish by many locals.
Popularity in Japan: Ramen is a trendy dish in Japan, and it’s considered a comfort food, and Hakata ramen is one of the most popular styles of ramen in Japan, so naturally, it has gained popularity globally too.
Variety of variations: Some variations of Ramen Hakata include adding spicy seasoning or miso paste to the broth, which creates new and exciting flavors and allows for something to suit everyone’s taste preference.
Note: This is a basic recipe; you can adjust the ingredients, timing, and seasoning according to your preference.
Hakata Ramen Recipe
Here is a recipe for making Hakata-style ramen at home:
Ingredients:
4 liters of water
1 kg pork bones (neck bones or trotters)
One onion halved
One head of garlic halved
2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sake
1 tbsp salt
500g Fresh Ramen Noodles
Toppings of your choice (such as chashu, green onions, and garlic)
Instructions: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the pork bones, onion, garlic, and ginger. Bring the water back to a spot, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-12 hours. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Discard the solids and return the broth to the pot. Bring the broth to a simmer and add the soy sauce, sake, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Divide the noodles among four bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles. Add the toppings of your choice, such as cha shu, green onions, and garlic.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
