Attention, central Taiwan ramen lovers: Hokkaido’s Big Four Ramen Kings battle it out at Lihpao Outlet

▲ The uniquely eye-catching flame-grilling method is the standout feature of Sapporo Enjin Ramen. (Photo by Huang Shiyuan)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Lihpao Outlet Mall is set to begin its trial operation this Saturday (12/24). In addition to a variety of fashion and retail brands, it also features Taiwan’s largest food court with 1,000 seats, 40 international and themed restaurants, and specialty eats. The highlight? A face-off between the “Hokkaido Big Four Ramen Kings,” including the exclusively Taiwan-based, highly popular Hokkaido ramen shops “?や虎铁,” “ラ0?幞蟠卫沙ぁ薄??氦浃?瑜俊保? and the first-ever outlet appearance of “Sapporo Enjin” — great news for ramen lovers in Taichung.

Although not exclusive, Sapporo Enjin now has its first presence in central Taiwan. Of its current four branches, three are in the Greater Taipei area and one in Kaohsiung. The uniquely eye-catching flame-grilling method is the standout feature of Sapporo Enjin Ramen. The Enjin Ramen is cooked using a 1,300-degree-high flame gun, which instantly blends the fat and broth, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor that becomes its biggest draw. Renowned Japanese ramen expert Shukyu Ishijima, known as the “Ramen King,” speaks highly of Sapporo Enjin Ramen, noting that the use of 1,300-degree heat to fuse the fat and broth eliminates greasiness, leaving only a deep, satisfying taste.