Thank you so much for waiting!
It’s finally time for me to unleash my full
Kitakata Ramen love,
so please stay with me until the end! (^^♪
Two Famous Shops, Now at Home!
This time, I ordered ramen from two of the most popular shops
that can be enjoyed right at home —
Kawakyo and Hasegawa —
and did a thorough taste comparison!
Which one suited my taste the most?
How do their flavors differ?
I hope this helps if you’re thinking about ordering some yourself. (^^♪
Just to be clear,
I’m not trying to start a ramen war here!
I’m simply an ordinary person
writing honestly based on my own (possibly silly) taste buds.
So even if I’m wrong, please read this with a smile. (‘ω’)
The Verdict: The Big Difference Between Kawakyo and Hasegawa
Conclusion: I’m on Team Kawakyo!
And the reason is simple —
it’s all about the perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness.
Both bowls are delicious examples of authentic Kitakata Ramen,
but that harmony in Kawakyo’s flavor truly won me over.
Kawakyo Kitakata Ramen — Taste Review
Kawakyo Kitakata Ramen — Taste Review
Soup:The soup has a comforting balance — a gentle sweetness wrapped inside a firm, savory saltiness.
It’s exactly as I remember from my college days,
when I had just gotten my driver’s license and
nervously took my first solo drive.
That same heartwarming flavor brings back the feeling of
those summers in Aizu.
The soy sauce aroma rises softly through the nose,
while the salt blends perfectly with the noodles to
awaken your appetite.
It’s light and refreshing, yet deeply satisfying —
a flavor that truly moves you.
Noodles & Toppings: Satisfaction and Authenticity
The noodles have a smooth, silky texture,
and while store-bought chashu (roasted pork) and
green onions are enough to enjoy,
I personally love to add stir-fried bean sprouts —
lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of sesame oil —
for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
【Official】Kawakyo Kitakata Ramen — Online Order Info
If you’d like to try this nostalgic flavor yourself
and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home,
you can order it here ♪
Kawakyo(Amazon)
Why am I linking Amazon even though I mentioned Rakuten before?
You might be wondering,
“Wait, didn’t she say she bought it from Rakuten last time?
Why is it Amazon now?”
I promise I’m not lying, haha!
The simple reason is…
Amazon’s price is currently more affordable for me.
That’s all! (´▽｀)
By the way, the one
I’m sharing this time is a set of miso and soy sauce flavors.
When I make the miso version, I like to:
- Heat sesame oil in a frying pan,
- Add sliced pork,
- Season with a bit of salt and chili powder,
- Then pour in the soup base.
Finally, I add some grated garlic and let it simmer for a moment —
and it becomes even more delicious!
How to Make Kawakyo’s Kitakata Ramen (translation by Weblio)
I also found a version you can make
in the microwave on Rakuten! (^^♪
Hasegawa Kitakata Ramen — Taste Test Review
Soup & Noodles: A Gentle Seafood Aroma with Springy Curly Noodles
At first glance, it might look similar to the previous one,
but I personally think Hasegawa’s biggest charm lies in its broth and noodles.
The soup looks darker in color,
so I expected it to be a bit salty…
but when I took a sip…
It surprised me!
Even though it’s seafood-based (probably dried sardines?),
it doesn’t have that “fishy” smell that I usually dislike.
Instead, the rich aroma of seafood perfectly clings
to the curly noodles.
The moment you slurp them,
the flavor gently passes through your nose —
it’s a completely new kind of deliciousness.
If I had to describe it,
I’d say it tastes clean, gentle, and somehow good for your body.
If you’re curious, you can check it out here!
Hasegawa Kitakata Ramen(Amazon)
【My Recommendation】How to Choose Your Kitakata Ramen
| Type of Reader | Recommended Ramen | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Love rich, punchy flavors! | Kawakyo | The perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness gives a deeply satisfying taste. |
| Prefer light, seafood-style ramen! | Hasegawa | The distinct seafood aroma and gentle flavor create great harmony. |
| All about the noodles! | Kawakyo | The silky-smooth texture makes you want to eat it again and again. |
Summary
Through this comparison,
I realized that both
ramen shops stay true to the signature curly noodles of
Kitakata ramen while expressing their own unique character.
Both are truly the soul food of Fukushima!
If this article made you a little curious about
my love for Kitakata Ramen,
please check out the first part of the story below:
Also, I found a wonderful blog that introduces
the history of Kitakata Ramen — it’s worth a read!
🔗 https://www.aizukitakatakai.org/kitakataramen (translation by weblio)
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