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Hakodate Shio Ramen “Shinano” is a famous Hakodate ramen restaurant located a 1-minute walk from Hakodate Station. Look for the red signboard. Hakodate is said to be the birthplace of salt ramen, and the signature salt ramen at “Shinano” is renowned for being exquisite.
The salt ramen at “Shinano” is full of surprises from the first bite. What catches your eye first is the clear golden soup. As mentioned in reviews, you can’t help but be mesmerized by its transparency. However, when you taste it, you’ll realize it has a richness and depth that you wouldn’t expect from its light appearance.
This exquisite balance is apparently the result of the complex blending of flavors from various ingredients. The broth is so flavorful that you can’t help but shout “delicious!” in your mind after just one sip. The saltiness is a bit on the strong side, but thanks to the richness, you can enjoy it to the last drop without getting tired of it.
The noodles are thin and straight, with a slightly sweet characteristic. They are renowned for being a perfect match with this soup. The noodles are also cooked just right, allowing you to enjoy a firm, chewy texture despite being medium-thin.
The toppings are simple: chashu pork, egg, menma bamboo shoots, green onions, wheat gluten, fish cake, and spinach. Among them, the melt-in-your-mouth chashu particularly shines. It’s well-seasoned, with concentrated fatty flavors that are sure to make you feel happy with just one bite.
Also, don’t overlook the wheat gluten, a classic topping for Hakodate ramen. The gluten that has absorbed all the essence of the ingredients and soup in the bowl will release a burst of flavor with just one bite. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the gluten at “Shinano” is the ultimate ingredient packed with flavor.
In addition to regular salt ramen, “Shinano” also offers a menu item called “ginger salt ramen”. It’s popular for offering a different flavor than regular salt ramen, with the addition of a ginger aroma.
The refreshing aroma of ginger further enhances the richness of the salt ramen. It’s recommended not only for ginger lovers, but also for those who want to try a different flavor than regular salt ramen. By the way, it seems that the ginger salt ramen doesn’t include wheat gluten, so keep that in mind.
It’s not just the salt ramen that’s popular at “Shinano”. The fried rice is also renowned for being exquisite. Although it’s not particularly fluffy, it’s well-received for having a robust flavor that you can taste more and more with each bite.
Many people apparently order the ramen and fried rice set. It’s also recommended to enjoy the strong flavors of the fried rice after the gentle taste of the salt ramen.
“Hakodate Shio Ramen Shinano” is conveniently located in front of Hakodate Station. There is also a dedicated parking lot to the right of the restaurant, making it convenient to access by car. Additionally, if you park in a nearby coin parking lot, you can receive a 200 yen discount when you mention it at the time of payment.
Right in front of Hakodate Station
The interior is lively despite being small, with 7-8 counter seats and 2-3 table seats. The staff are also well-liked, and it’s reputed to be a pleasant place to enjoy a meal.
However, be aware that the soup may run out after 2:00 pm. To ensure you get to taste the salt ramen you came for, it’s recommended to visit early.
At Shinano, not only is the ramen delicious, but the warm service of the staff is also part of the charm. With only counter seats, you can also enjoy conversations with regular customers.
“Hakodate Shio Ramen Shinano” is a famous salt ramen restaurant that Hakodate is proud of. The exquisite bowl of ramen, with its transparent yet rich soup and perfectly seasoned noodles and toppings, is truly exceptional. The simple yet profound flavor is an unforgettable deliciousness that you’ll never forget once you’ve tried it. If you’re visiting Hakodate, why not stop by? You’re sure to have a blissful time.
