Ramen Shingen is a very famous local ramen shop in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Locals really like this shop and I am sure if many tourists know of this place in Sapporo too.
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If you don’t have time, you can try Ippudo too
You know, we also usually go to Ippudo in Hokkaido for ramen. The one at Sapporo Station is not bad. I enjoyed the ramen there too. It is quite good !! Most importantly, the queue is reasonable, the wait is in air con shopping centre (and not in freezing cold outside) and the location is convenient too (you arrive at Sapporo from Airport and then you eat ! :p).
But this article is not about Ippudo. It is about Ramen Shingen ! 🙂
Where is Ramen Shingen
Ramen Shingen is located about 10 mins walk from Susukino train station. One of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, Susukino is teeming with noodle restaurants, clubs, shops and pachinko parlors.
You know Susukino train station is also where you have to say hello to Mr Beard (aka Nikka Whisky billboard).
Or say hi to him at night.
He looked equally cool both day and night 🙂
Anyway, here’s a map to get to Ramen Shingen. It is a comfortable walk along the pavements and enjoying the weather and sights.
It is at a junction. You can see it from afar and it is also opposite a Lawson (but then Lawson, Family Mart and 7-Eleven are everywhere).
How did I know of Ramen Shingen
I thought I should give credit to one of my favourite Japanese travel YouTuber, Chris Broad. In this video, he visited Ramen Shingen so I decided I should go (on a side note, his book, Abroad in Japan, is really good. I enjoyed it).
I always watch his videos and get inspiration on where to go in Japan.
What is so famous about Ramen Shingen
Sapporo is famous for its rich and flavorful miso ramen, and Ramen Shingen is particularly well-regarded for offering some of the best examples of this style.
The restaurant is known for its delicious broth, quality ingredients, and traditional preparation methods, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors seeking authentic Japanese ramen experience.
The menu.. don’t worry, they also have English Menu…
Ramen Shingen in Sapporo is celebrated for its exceptional miso ramen, which is a specialty of the Sapporo region.
Here are some key aspects that make Ramen Shingen stand out from what I read…
- Miso Ramen: The miso ramen at Shingen is particularly renowned. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is the base of the broth, providing a deep, umami-rich flavor. Sapporo-style miso ramen often features a rich, slightly thicker broth compared to other types of ramen.
- Broth and Ingredients: The broth at Ramen Shingen is known for its richness and depth of flavor. It’s typically made by blending miso paste with a chicken or pork-based stock and adding various seasonings. The ramen is often topped with ingredients like chashu (braised pork), menma (fermented bamboo shoots), green onions, corn, butter, and sometimes a boiled egg.
- Noodles: The noodles used in their ramen are typically thick and curly, which helps them hold onto the hearty broth. These noodles are specially made to complement the thick miso broth.
- Atmosphere and Service: The atmosphere of Ramen Shingen is often described as cozy and welcoming, with a focus on providing an authentic and enjoyable dining experience. The service is usually efficient, reflecting the Japanese emphasis on hospitality.
- Popularity: Due to its reputation, Ramen Shingen can often have long lines, especially during peak dining hours. This popularity is a testament to the quality of its ramen.
- Variety: Besides the classic miso ramen, Ramen Shingen might also offer different variations, including spicy miso ramen and other regional specialties, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- Local and Tourist Favorite: Both locals and tourists frequent Ramen Shingen, making it a notable spot in Sapporo’s culinary scene.
The main feature of Ramen Shingen
No.. not the ramen. It is good. Really good. Don’t get me wrong. You came from the Ramen. You get the best ramen around…
But the main feature, you will realised… IT IS THE DAMN QUEUE !!
See… you can see the queue from a mile away…
I came way past after lunch time and there was still a queue. And by the time, it reached my turn, it is DINNER time. It was about 1.5 hours wait for me or more… I could not even remember.. So So Hungry…
The queue will slowly snake to the front of the shop.. but no.. even if you reached the front of the shop, your turn is NOT next 🙂
Cause when you are inside, you wait more… you sit and move along the seats, and watched others eat… and move when others leave, and wait while others eat…
So if you do come, please be prepared to queue ok. To be fair, no one wasted any time in the shop. Eat. Pay. Leave. Typical efficient Japanese.
And I don’t know what is 25:00. My Encik in Army would be so impressed. 23:59 book in or 25:00 book in ? 🙂
How do I find the Ramen at Ramen Shingen
It was SUPER.
It is Miso Based (different from the ones you can get at Ippudo which does serve tonkotsu based) or the ones at Fukuoka (e.g. Ichiran Tenjin Fukuoka, Ganso Nagahamaya 元祖长浜屋 Local Fukuoka Ramen Shop or Shin Shin Ramen Hakata Station Fukuoka).
The queues at these Ramen Shops at Fukuoka are just not as long though (okay, you can sense my “queuing” phobia by now).
Here comes my bowl of superb Ramen !!
The soup looks (and taste) so goooood…..
The meat.. I am drooling even now at home in Singapore…
My wonderful noodles.. “qu qu”…
The fried rice (everyone seemed to be ordering it) is not bad too..
Ramen Shingen : To go or Not To go
So what’s the verdict ? To go or Not to Go ?
Actually it should be To QUEUE or NOT to QUEUE.
The Ramen is fantastic. No doubt. The queue is NOT.
My partner, a food expert compared to me, has this to say.
“Yes, go for one time. But only one time. For that one time experience”.
Okay. For us, tourists, one time will do 🙂
Have you tried Ramen Shingen before ? Let me know in the comments below !
