08：Kitakata Ramen

  The Japanese seem to love the phrase “The three major ...”
  The three major views of Japan, The three major festivals of Japan, The three major cherry blossom trees.
  And also, ‘the three major ramen’
　Are you familiar with Japan’s three major ramen?
　Hokkaido’s Sapporo Ramen, Fukuoka’s Hakuta Ramen, and finally our own Fukushima Prefecture’s Kitakata Ramen!
   
   
　While the flavor of the soy sauce based ramen is simple, it has somewhat of a nostalgic feel to it. My guess is it is the traditional flavor of Kitakata that brings forth this feeling.

　The fragrant aroma of Sapporo’s miso ramen, Fukuoka’s famous thick tonkotsu ramen, Kitakata with its population of just over 30, 000 has managed to compete with the two massive cities, causing a nationwide ramen boom of its own. The reason behind this is no doubt the kitakata citizens’ love for ramen, a love which is equaled by no other, combined with the local character of Kitakata.

　I want to become a gourmet hunter, traveling the world searching for local famous foods. But after traveling around the world I will return to Fukushima’s Kitakata, and take a break while enjoying its ramen once again. That’s how much I like Kitakata ramen.

（Posted by：Xu)