The sharp kick of soy sauce, the fragrant aroma of ginger, and noodles with a delightful texture that's both chewy and firm. At the popular ramen shop Ramen Shinwa in Tsukisamu, Sapporo, you can savor a unique bowl of ramen inspired by Niigata Prefecture's local specialty, Nagaoka Ginger Shoyu Ramen, but with a special Sapporo twist. They also offer Kitakata Ramen, a local favorite from Fukushima Prefecture popular with those who prefer lighter broths, as well as limited-time special noodles, making this a must-visit spot that impresses even the most discerning ramen connoisseurs.

The shop's signature dish: "Ginger Shoyu Ramen" for 1,050 yen

Owner Tamayama once lived in Niigata, and his experience shines through in the shop's most popular dish: an inspired take on "Ginger Shoyu Ramen," a local specialty from Nagaoka City, Niigata. The broth is a blend of a separately cooked pork *chintan* (clear pork broth) and another soup made with chicken and aromatic vegetables. Ginger is used in both the soup and the *shoyu tare* (soy sauce base), and a dollop of grated ginger is added to the bottom of the bowl to further enhance its aromatic flavor. The taste is carefully adjusted to appeal to the palates of Sapporo locals.

Owner Tamayama is known as a "soy sauce otaku" (soy sauce fanatic), and he carefully selects the perfect soy sauce to complement his incredibly delicious soup. The noodles are custom-made by Sudo Seimen in Asahikawa. For the "Ginger Shoyu Ramen" and "Ginger Shio (Salt) Ramen," you can choose between thick or thin noodles.

This time, we chose the thick noodles. These robust, high-hydration noodles have a smooth and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the ginger-infused soup. The ginger-packed soup also goes incredibly well with white rice, and many customers enjoy eating their ramen with a side of rice.

Limited Quantity: "Kitakata Ramen" for 1,050 yen

Another signature dish is "Kitakata Ramen," a famous local ramen from Fukushima Prefecture. It's available in limited quantities and is so popular that it often sells out during lunch service. The clear pork and chicken *chintan* broth is light yet has a profound umami flavor; it's sure to instantly captivate anyone who loves lighter-style ramen. In a show of dedication, the soy sauce is sourced directly from the region, giving the ramen a gentle, nostalgic taste.

The noodles are high-hydration, medium-thick, and hand-crumpled. Their delightfully chewy, "mochi-mochi" texture clings to the light soup surprisingly well.

The toppings are simple, but this is the quintessential Kitakata Ramen!

"June's Chuka Soba" for 1,150 yen

Another charm of Ramen Shinwa is its ever-changing lineup of new, limited-edition menu items. During the month of our visit, they were featuring an evolved version of *Chuka Soba* (classic Chinese-style noodles). While the flavor was light, the soup, with its synergistic umami from various ingredients, was incredibly delicious and completely captured the hearts of ramen aficionados.

The shop is a 7-minute walk from Nango 7-chome Station on the Tozai Subway Line. There is parking available for 6 cars, but please note that it is located a short distance from the shop.

Owner Tamayama trained at popular shops in Sapporo and Tokyo. Drawing on his knowledge from eating his way through Niigata where he used to live, he has been recreating and arranging regional ramen styles. His brilliant ramen sense shines through in every bowl, delighting ramen lovers across Sapporo.

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*All prices include tax.