What is Yokohama Iekei Style Ramen?
Ramen Style
If you're a ramen enthusiast, you may have heard of “Yokohama Iekei Ramen”, a unique and flavorful style of ramen that has captivated taste buds across Japan and beyond. Originating in the bustling port city of Yokohama, Iekei ramen combines elements of different regional ramen styles to create a delicious and satisfying culinary experience. Let's dive into the history, ingredients, and distinct characteristics that make this ramen so special.
The History of Yokohama Iekei Ramen
Yokohama Iekei ramen was born in the early 1970s when a former truck driver named Mr. Minoru Yoshimura decided to open his own ramen shop, “Yoshimuraya.” Inspired by the rich, pork-based tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka and the soy-flavored shoyu ramen from Tokyo, Mr. Yoshimura created a hybrid style that quickly gained popularity. The name Yoshimuraya is written in Kanji as 吉村家, where "ya" (家) is pronounced "Ie," like "yay." This led to the term "Iekei," meaning "IE type." Finally, the term "Iekei" (家系) means "family style," reflecting the welcoming, home-cooked essence of the dish.
Key Ingredients and Preparation
The foundation of Yokohama Iekei style ramen lies in its robust broth, made from a blend of pork bones (tonkotsu), chicken bones (torigara) , soy sauce (shoyu) and chicken fat oil (chiyu). This combination results in a rich, creamy soup with a deep umami flavor. The broth is simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor.
The noodles used in Yokohama Iekei style ramen are flat-thick, chewy, and slightly wavy, perfect for absorbing the flavorful broth. They are typically cooked to a firm texture, providing a satisfying bite.
Toppings for Yokohama Iekei style ramen are generous and varied, often including:
- Chashu (Braised Pork Belly): Tender slices of pork belly marinated in soy sauce, sake, and mirin, then braised until melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Spinach: Lightly blanched spinach adds a fresh, green contrast to the rich broth.
- Nori (Seaweed): Sheets of toasted seaweed provide a salty, crispy texture.
- Ramen Egg (Seasoned Soft-Boiled Egg): Eggs with a perfectly soft, runny yolk, marinated in a soy-based sauce.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor.
Customization and Personal Touch
One of the charming aspects of Yokohama Iekei ramen is the level of customization available to diners. Many Yokohama Iekei ramen shops allow customers to adjust the richness of the broth, the firmness of the noodles, and the amount of oil used. This ensures that every bowl is tailored to individual preferences, enhancing the dining experience.
