Image: Wikimedia Commons
Miso curry milk ramen is a local ramen born in Aomori City, a rich bowl made by adding curry and milk to a miso ramen base. It is sometimes mistakenly believed to have originated in Hachinohe City, but its true birthplace is Aomori City. It is said to have started in 1968, when Kiyoshi Sato, who had trained at the Sapporo Ramen Yokocho alley, opened a shop in Aomori City; the shop initially served miso-, salt-, and soy-sauce-based ramen. In the late 1970s, a trend spread among junior high and high school students of adding various seasonings to their ramen, and out of that came the discovery that 'miso ramen tastes great with curry and milk added,' which became so popular it was made an official menu item. In 2008, the 'Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen Promotion Association' was established, and the dish became known nationwide as a soul food beloved by local residents.
Origin
It began in 1968, when Kiyoshi Sato, who had run a shop in the Sapporo Ramen Yokocho alley, opened 'Aji no Sapporo' in Aomori City. It initially served ramen based on miso, salt, and soy sauce, but a distinctive seasoning combining curry and milk was later created there, which went on to develop into the local ramen now representative of Aomori.
History
In the late 1970s, a trend spread among junior high and high school students in Aomori City of adding various seasonings such as ketchup and cola to their ramen, and as an extension of this, the word spread that 'miso ramen tastes great with curry and milk added.' In response to customer requests it was made an official menu item and gained a strong reputation, being passed on to shops run by the founder's disciples and spreading throughout Aomori City. In July 2008, the 'Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen Promotion Association' was established, and efforts to promote the dish and share information nationwide have continued since.
Features
Its defining feature is a flavor that seems unexpected at first but is actually well calculated, adding the spice of curry and the mellowness of milk to the richness of miso ramen. The milk mellows the soup, while the aroma and heat of the curry bring out the flavor of the miso. Many shops top it with butter to finish, and as a rich, filling bowl it is enjoyed by Aomori City residents as part of everyday life.
Famous Shops
味の札幌 大西
青森県青森市古川1丁目15-6 大西クリエイトビル1F
Miso curry milk ramen (with butter) costs around 980 yen. One of the shops representative of Aomori.
かわら
青森県青森市筒井八ツ橋
A shop run by the founder's last direct disciple. Miso curry milk ramen costs around 950 yen.
FAQ
Q. Is the birthplace Hachinohe City?
A. No, the birthplace is not Hachinohe City but Aomori City. Its roots trace back to 'Aji no Sapporo,' opened in Aomori City by Kiyoshi Sato in 1968, from which it spread among junior high and high school students in the city before being made an official menu item.