Ramen Hunter

Frank (5AM Ramen) and I are joined by The Noodle Slurp, an accomplished Ramen Hunter with deep experience in the Osaka area. We pick his brain about Takaida-kei shops, as well as the New School boom taking place in the area. Learn about the shops making the biggest impact out there. We also discuss The Noodle Slurp's recent move to Tokyo, and differences in the respective Ramen markets For those unfamiliar with the Osaka Ramen scene, a great chance to hear tales from another Hunter!

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen as he shares his exploration of Abura Soba, or Soupless Ramen. Frank highlights several shops that are early pioneers, including Sankou and Chinchintei. We also discuss a recent experience at a Michelin starred shop, leading to a Schmoe rant. Our favorite Ramen Drama comes to a close, so Frank and I review the final episode of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki (Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo). In this episode a rival Ramen group undercuts our protagonists shop with a cheaper copycat bowl. How did our hero get out of this pickle, and is there any basis in reality?

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen as we share our top picks for the strangest bowls we've had. Did Pineapple Ramen make the list? How about Pizza Ramen? We also break down Episode 7 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki (airing Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo). In this episode our protagonist provides consulting to a shop in a Ramen Theme Park. What are some of the pitfalls that can befall an ill prepared shop?  Frank and I discuss the advice given to the shop.

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to dig into regional Tantanmen styles. We look into Hiroshima's Soupless Tantanmen and Katsuura (Chiba prefecture) style Tantanmen. How did they come about? Who were their target customers? Listen to find the answers! We also break down Episode 6 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki (airing Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo). In this episode our protagonist goes into competition with a rival firm to come up with the ideal bowl for college kids and salarymen.  Frank and I discuss the strategy behind each bowl and give our personal preferences.

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to explore the roots of Tantanmen in Japan. What is the connection with an Iron Chef? When Yakuza trouble brews, where do they squash beef? Listen to find the answers! We also break down Episode 5 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki, the Ramen Drama airing Mondays @ 10pm on TV Tokyo. 

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to explore the different iterations of Taishoken, the legendary shop that is credited as the birthplace of Tsukemen. We break down Higashi Ikebukuro and Eifukucho versions of Taishoken. We also discuss the California branch of Taishoken and explain where it fits in the big picture. Be warned it gets quite nerdy at times. We also break down Episode 4 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki, the Ramen Drama airing on TV Tokyo. How does one go about starting a Ramen shop on limited funds? Check out his episode to find out how.

Joined by Frank from 5AM Ramen to explore the different iterations of Taishoken. We discuss the history of Taishoken and how it gave birth to Tsukemen. Be warned it gets quite nerdy at times. We also break down Episode 3 of Gyoretsu no Megami - Ramen Saiyuki, the new Ramen Drama airing on TV Tokyo.

The very first episode of Ramen Hunter! I sit down with Frank from 5AM Ramen to discuss current events in the Japan Ramen scene. How are Ramen shops in Japan dealing with COVID-19? Frank and I also re-cap the newest J-Drama series "Ramen Saiyuki" airing on Tokyo TV, breaking down the first episode. We also discuss Chibakiya, the founding father of the half-boiled Ramen egg  that is now popular throughout the Ramen World.

Ramen Hunter Podcast dropping soon!