The other day, I took a trip to Hokuriku for the first time in a while. I plan to gradually share my travel experiences on my blog, but for now, I’d like to write about a local gourmet spot I visited during the trip.
This is "Hachiban Ramen."
While staying at a hotel during my Hokuriku trip, I searched for a reasonably priced place to eat nearby. That’s when I discovered that Hachiban Ramen was just a short walk away. Without hesitation, I decided to go.
I couldn’t recall the last time I had eaten there. I had visited Hokuriku after the pandemic, but I hadn’t eaten at Hachiban Ramen during that trip, so it must have been before COVID-19. Excited for a long-overdue revisit, I headed to the restaurant.
As I walked up to the storefront, I couldn’t help but feel happy seeing Hachiban Ramen again. The unchanged exterior brought a wave of nostalgia, and I thought to myself, "I’m lucky there’s a location so close to the hotel."
Moved by My Long-Awaited Return to Hachiban Ramen!
As I took my seat, I noticed an advertisement for a limited-time menu item: "Garlic Gyoza." Since I was heading straight back to the hotel after my meal, I figured this was the perfect chance to try it. Being a special menu item, I just couldn’t pass it up! Six pieces for 319 yen (tax included).
Indecisive About Which Ramen to Choose—Final Decision Made by ChatGPT!
However, I struggled to decide which ramen to order. The limited-time "Vegetable Beef Motsu Stew Ramen" sounded tempting, but the classic flavors—miso, salt, soy sauce, and butter-flavored—all brought back delicious memories. I just couldn’t make up my mind!
I sat there staring at the tablet, unable to choose, as time kept slipping away. Then, it hit me—"Why not ask ChatGPT?"
So, I did.
The answer?
"When in doubt, go for the Vegetable Miso Ramen!"
Sounds perfect—no doubt about it! With ChatGPT’s recommendation, I went ahead and ordered the Vegetable Miso Ramen along with the Garlic Gyoza. The total came to 1,056 yen (tax included).
If there were a branch in Tokyo, I could easily say, "I’ll just come back another time." But since I don’t get to visit Hokuriku often, making a decision wasn’t so simple. In a way, having ChatGPT choose for me helped me make peace with my choice! (Haha!)
Taste Test Report!
First up was the Garlic Gyoza.
I expected a mild "garlic-flavored" taste, but it turned out to be far more intense—a bold garlic punch! The flavor was strong and satisfying, just the way a good garlic gyoza should be. This is definitely the kind of dish that would pair perfectly with a cold beer. A must-try for garlic lovers!
Next up was the Vegetable Miso Ramen.
The bowl was packed with a generous amount of cabbage, and I was delighted to see the "Hachikama" (Hachiban Ramen's signature fish cake) again after so long. It almost looked like it was shining in the bowl! (Haha!)
By the way, I personally save the Hachikama for last, but I wonder—does anyone else do that? Or do most people not even think about when to eat it? 🤔
My Actual Tasting Experience
As I kept eating, I found that the crisp cabbage and the thick, chewy noodles were a perfect match!
The thick noodles had a satisfyingly firm, mochi-like texture with each bite—exactly the kind of noodles I love. They absorbed the rich miso broth beautifully, making every mouthful incredibly flavorful.
Switching between the gyoza and the ramen, I was so immersed in my meal that I finished it in silence. Hachiban Ramen after all these years—it was just as amazing as I remembered!
Summary
I’m not sure when I’ll be able to visit Hokuriku again, but this meal has definitely made me want to try other menu options, like the salt-flavored ramen.
At this point, I feel like I’d travel to Hokuriku just for Hachiban Ramen! (Haha!)
Looking forward to the day I can visit again, I’ll wrap up this report here! 🍜✨