HYPER LOCAL NAGOYA
When it comes to Nagoya’s classic local ramen, you can’t miss out on ‘Sugakiya Ramen.’ It’s not the kind of place to impress ramen connoisseurs with its exquisite details. However, Sugakiya ramen has become the ‘soul food’ of Nagoya, drawing in customers across generations. Even when not particularly hungry, there’s an inexplicable magnetic pull that leads you to stop by. It’s like having a separate stomach! You end up eating it like a snack, even when you’re not really craving it.
*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely our own!
Sugakiya Ramen: A True Taste of Nagoya’s Culinary Heritage
The origins of Sugakiya ramen trace back to 1946 when it started as a sweet shop in the bustling heart of Nagoya, Sakae. Later on, they added ramen to their menu. In 1969, they began expanding as a chain. Almost every Sugakiya ramen shop looks the same – a distinctive red and a character of a girl as the trademark. In the food courts of malls around the Tokai region, Sugakiya ramen is an indispensable ramen spot.
For many Nagoyans, feeling nostalgic about the times they visited with their families during childhood is a common sentiment! The charm of Sugakiya ramen undoubtedly lies in its cost-effectiveness. The best part? You can enjoy a warm bowl of ramen for just 390 yen in this day and age! The nostalgic and heartwarming taste comes from the ‘double soup’ – a blend of pork bone broth and seafood stock.
The toppings are minimal – menma (fermented bamboo shoots) and thin slices of char siu. But the inexplicable deliciousness is hard to put into words. Perhaps Nagoyans are used to it, having eaten it since childhood!
Not too heavy, subtly flavored, great value for money, and Sugakiya ramen is available everywhere! Nagoyans know it well, but it’s surprisingly not widely known outside Nagoya – a true local specialty!
