On Ramen: The Best Food in Japan
Yamagata in its rightful place
Everything is right with the world. Finally.
After one long year of being second, Yamagata City is back at number one. In fact, from 2012 to 2020, Yamagata was number one. Until last year when those ratbags in Niigata City had to come and steal our thunder!
Not nice, Niigata! Not nice at all!
Of course I’m talking about what everyone else in Yamagata is talking about.
You know it.
I know it.
Ramen.
Noodles and soup.
But not just any noodles and soup.
Everywhere in Japan claims to have the best ramen.
And I mean everywhere.
Why be subjective about it?
Why not look at the numbers.
Yamagata City had the highest consumption of ramen noodles per capita in 2022. The average Yamagatan ate more than 13,196 yennies worth (like, $100). Plus, the ramen here usually doesn’t go above ¥1,000 ($7.50).
If that’s not proof of the best ramen in Japan, what is?
What makes Yamagata ramen so special is the high proportion of homemade noodles and homemade soup. And I guess you could say the freshest of produce, finest fish, and meatiest meats this side of The Mogami. You should probably give some credit to the chefs as well.
But the real stars of the show?
You and I. Joe and Jane consumer. Without which, Yamagata City wouldn’t be back in their rightful place.
At the top.
Where we belong.
