Ramen ラーメン

As I have now been here in Japan for just over two weeks, I am learning that there is alot more to ramen than meets the eye. My second night here, I wrote about the best ramen I had ever experienced. That was by my standard up to that point. I have now had the chance to sample several varieties of ramen and let's just say, all ramen is not created equal. It is an art form in Japan and some have elevated it to a higher level than others. Fortunately, I have two of the best rated ramen places in Kyoto within a walk from my house.

Akutakawa Ramen, Kyoto, Japan

Ordering ramen is no easy task, especially if you do not yet speak Japanese. You arrive and place your order via a complicated vending machine. Of course all of this is in Japanese characters. When you place your phone translation app over the buttons, you get a variety of translations, most of which having nothing to do with ramen. Fortunately, I had some help and was able to place my order for the ingredients I wanted, spice level I wanted, thickness of noodles, and heaviness of broth.

The place nearest to my house is what must be the equivalent of Franklin BBQ in Austin, Texas. They open at 11am and when you arrive there is a line down the street. It is near the University and most are college kids in line, so you know this place is good. It makes no difference if it is pouring down rain, the line continues. Keep in mind, inside there are only 8 seats. When the doors open, the first 8 people get in and are served their ramen. Everyone else waits patiently, rain or shine, for the 8 seats to open up. If there, is anything you will learn in Japan, or most other countries for that matter, it is patience. Once you accept the fact that virtually everything is done differently from what you are used to, it becomes quite peaceful.

I can say that being patient was fully worth the wait for this bowl of ramen. It was more than enough to serve as my one meal for the day.