What is Toyama Black Ramen?
Known as a local specialty of Toyama Prefecture, Toyama Black Ramen is famous for its dramatic appearance and flavor.
It’s a bowl characterized by its unforgettable pitch-black soup and rich soy-sauce umami.
Originally created for Toyama’s laborers, its appeal lies in a “highly salty but addictive” taste.
Generous use of dark soy sauce produces a soup that clings well to the thick straight noodles.
Here we’ll take a closer look at the history of Toyama Black Ramen, recommended ways to enjoy it, and notable local shops!
History of Toyama Black Ramen
1. A ramen born in postwar Toyama
The origin of Toyama Black Ramen dates back to the postwar year 1955 (Showa 30).
The shop regarded as the birthplace, Taiki, devised it as a nutritional replenishment for laborers.
At that time, manual workers in Toyama needed to replenish salt during their work breaks.
So a rich soy-sauce soup with a higher salt content than typical ramen was developed.
2. Distinct appearance and flavor
The most striking feature of Toyama Black Ramen is its black soup.
The secret to that darkness is the generous use of Toyama’s specialty dark soy sauce.
Characteristics of Toyama Black Ramen:
- Soup: Strong soy-sauce flavor with a spicy kick from pepper
- Noodles: Thick, firm straight noodles
- Toppings: Thick chashu pork, menma (bamboo shoots), green onions, and extra pepper
- Flavor profile: High in salt but full of addictive umami
Because the soup is so strong, the point is to enjoy it with the noodles rather than drinking the soup like you might with other ramen.
Recommended ways to eat it
Toyama Black Ramen offers a slightly different eating experience from typical ramen.
Here are some tips to enjoy the rich soup even more.
Tips for enjoying Toyama Black:
- Start by tasting the noodles → The firm thick noodles cling to the soup and are delicious!
- Eat it with rice → The rich soup pairs perfectly with rice!
- Don’t drink all the soup → Because it’s high in salt, it’s best to savor the soup little by little
Top 3 Toyama Black Ramen shops
1. Nishicho Taiki (西町 大喜)
The shop credited with originating Toyama Black. Known for its bold, rich flavor!
- Why go: If you want to taste the original Toyama Black, this is the place!
- Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Toyama Station
2. Menya Iroha (麺家いろは)
A famous shop that has won awards at the Tokyo Ramen Show multiple times. A flavor that appeals to many!
- Why go: A milder, more approachable version of Toyama Black
- Access: Inside Toyama Station building in the “Kitokito Market Toya Marche”
3. Ramen Seiya (らーめん誠や)
A popular shop offering a pepper-forward, punchy Toyama Black!
- Why go: Enjoy a spicier Black ramen
- Access: About a 5-minute drive from JR Takaoka Station
Useful information for travelers
Where can you eat it?
- Ramen shops around Toyama Station
- Restaurants around the Shinminato fishing port
- Some branches in Tokyo and Osaka (such as “Menya Iroha”)
Can I buy it as a souvenir?
Toyama Black Ramen is also sold as instant ramen and cup noodles, so it makes a great souvenir!
It’s available at Toyama Station, the airport, and roadside stations.
Best time to eat?
- Lunch: With its strong saltiness, Toyama Black is perfect for lunch!
- Dinner: Eating it late at night can make you thirsty, so it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water!
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Toyama Black Ramen is a dark soy-sauce ramen that originated in Toyama Prefecture, known for its distinctive black soup.
Originally made for laborers, its punchy flavor is addictive.
It’s especially enjoyable when eaten together with rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I eat Toyama Black Ramen?
A: You can enjoy it around Toyama Station and at shops like “Nishicho Taiki” and “Menya Iroha”!
Q: What does it taste like?
A: A very strong soy-sauce flavor with a pronounced pepper punch. The key is to enjoy the noodles with the soup rather than drinking the soup!
Q: Where can I buy souvenir Toyama Black Ramen?
A: Available at Toyama Station, airports, and roadside stations. Cup and instant versions are available!
Q: Which shop is recommended for first-timers?
A: For an easier-to-eat flavor try “Menya Iroha”; for a more authentic experience try “Nishicho Taiki”!
When you visit Toyama, be sure to try Toyama Black Ramen!
