THE spot for tasty local Yokohama Ramen is Ryumai (龍味). Right across from Yokohama station, it's a charming hole in the wall.
Ryumai - A Local Favorite
Sanma-men (ramen) is a style of ramen that comes from Kanagawa prefecture. Since Yokohama is Kanagawa’s capital, it would make sense that Ryumai serves one of the best versions of it.
It has a soy sauce flavored broth but what makes this style most unique is a sticky, thick layer of starch that hovers at the top. This sweet tasting layer is similar to Japanese “ankake”. Swimming around in it is bean sprouts, wood ear mushroom, carrots, and other stir-fried veggies.
The noodles are usually fairly thin and soft.
Classic Tantanmen, Gyoza
At Ryumai, they make tantanmen just like it was when first introduced by Chinese immigrants. It’s a little spicy but sesame is the centerpiece. It’s stronger tasting than the sanma-men, if you’re looking for a ramen with more punch.
What old-school ramen shop would be complete without gyoza? Ryumai’s gyoza are crispy and the wraps are properly thick. Awesome gyoza.
Fun Interior
If you’re sitting at the counter at Ryumai, you’ve got the best seat in the house. These chefs don’t mess around.
There’s always a line at Ryumai, so visit at an odd hour! They’re open from 10:30 am, so you can enjoy some breakfast ramen.
