Featured on nationally broadcast television programs, "Ankake Yakisoba" has recently become well-known as a specialty dish of Otaru. After the war, around the 1950s, it gradually spread throughout Otaru, and now it has become soul food served at many restaurants. One of the pioneers of this trend is Chinese Restaurant Keien (hereafter Keien). Let's take a look at this restaurant, which can be called a "town Chinese restaurant" that is the talk of the town! Keien is located within the arcade of Otaru Miyakodori Shopping Street, about a 5-minute walk from JR Otaru Station.

This popular restaurant is loved by locals, and there are often lines at lunchtime. It has been featured in the media, and the number of tourists visiting has increased, but still, 80% of the customers are locals.

I immediately ordered the Ankake Yakisoba (820 yen including tax). The Ankake Yakisoba was brought to the table along with a bowl of Chinese soup. The mustard placed on the edge of the plate is a common way of eating this in Otaru. The thick sauce mixed well with the grilled noodles. It was absolutely delicious!

Another great thing about this ramen is that it is packed with plenty of ingredients. In addition to pork belly and shrimp, it also contains a variety of vegetables, making it look appetizing. Although this is a delicious, nutritious, and filling yakisoba with thickened sauce, the owner also has other recommendations!

These are "Ramen (Vegetable Ramen) Miso" (770 yen including tax) and "Fried Rice" (770 yen including tax). You can enjoy both in the lunch-only "Manzoku Set" (920 yen including tax). The fried rice was light and fluffy after being fried quickly, but the miso ramen was also delicious! The sweetness of the vegetables and the deep flavor of the miso were accented by a slight spiciness. The owner says that he changes the flavor subtly depending on the season.

He also told us that they use lard instead of salad oil in all of their cooking to create a unique richness. I see, these kinds of attention to detail are what make Keien's food taste so special, making you want to eat it again and again. Although I was tempted to leave the restaurant with a limited quantity "Curry Set" (950 yen including tax), which lets you enjoy curry and ramen at the same time, I left the restaurant with both my stomach and my heart completely satisfied. This is a famous restaurant that you should definitely stop by when you visit Otaru.