The world’s first gender-based ramen & Taiwan’s top 5 must-try newly opened ramen shops

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

In recent years, many well-known Japanese dining brands have continuously entered the Taiwanese market, with ramen being the most talked-about culinary topic. In the first half of 2017, numerous new brands have opened branches in Taiwan, ranging from the popular Ippudo to Michelin-starred eateries, sparking a major shake-up in online ramen rankings. Below is a list of the top five newly opened ramen shops in Taiwan that have generated the highest buzz, which travelers can consider as they plan a ramen tasting journey.

1. Morizumi Ramen by Morizumi Yasuji
 
The Michelin-chef legendary ramen “Morizumi Ramen by Morizumi Yasuji” has set up shop at SOGO Zhongxiao Branch in Taipei’s East District. The ramen features three main broths: soy sauce, plum salt, and spicy miso. The noodles are made using domestically produced Japanese wheat flour and Australian wheat flour, with the kansui (alkaline mineral water) imported from Hokkaido, Japan, to preserve the chef’s original recipe and bring its authentic flavors to Taiwan.

Known as the “Ichiro Suzuki of the ramen world,” ramen artisan Morizumi Yasuji is a charismatic, ruggedly handsome Michelin-chef with a massive fanbase in Japan, renowned for his elegant and delicious cooking style.

2. Ippudo Ramen
 
Located on Songren Road in Taipei’s Xinyi District, Ippudo Ramen’s first Taiwan branch not only offers round-the-clock service but also brings the authentic “crimson secret sauce” directly from Japan. It has also introduced Taiwan to the world’s first “flavor concentration seating” and the unlimited noodle refill system.

To ensure excellent dining quality and optimal noodle condition, Ippudo Ramen stipulates that every bowl of ramen must reach the customer within 15 seconds of being prepared. As a result, the distance between the kitchen and seating is specially designed to deliver each bowl precisely on time.