What is the best ramen in the world?

It's not Ichiran ramen. Rishiri Ramen Miraku in Hokkaido has won the title for the best ramen in the world.

The Godfather of Ramen, Hiroshi Osaki once famously said that the best ramen does not exist - even after consuming more than 800 bowls of ramen a year!

“Ramen can change, I can’t say that the noodles or soup should be one way or another. If that were the case, then it would stop evolving. I want it to keep improving.” - Hiroshi Osaki, ramen food critic and founder Japan’s biggest Ramen Association and Data Bank.

But the internet seems to have crowned Ichiran ramen as the best ramen in the world. Undeniably, the franchise does some of the best tonkotsu based noodle soup and its quality has led it to open stores across Asia including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even the States. We’re hoping one will open up in Europe soon.

Having said that, the crown for the world’s best ramen is not uncontested. Rishiri Ramen Miraku is a strong contestant. Not heard of outside of Japan, the small ramen shop is located on the remote rishiri island just off Hokkaido. Its location is one of the main reasons why most people haven’t heard of the place yet.

Luckily, the owner has opened a second branch in the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum and is much more accessible (only 30 minutes away from Tokyo)!

The ramen shop prides itself on using Rishiri Kombu, kelp harvested around the island. Rishiri Kombu is one of the three most delicious kelps in the country. The restaurant has been featured on the 2012 Hokkaido Special Edition Michelin Guide and subsequently received the Bib Gourmand title in 2017.

Now ask yourself again, what is the best ramen in the world? Before you say Ichiran Ramen, visit Rishiri Ramen Miraku.

For the full review of the remote noodle shop, visit Honest Food Talks.