西町大喜西町本店

Local ramen, I love it. So when I had a few hours to kill in Toyama, I made it a point to go try the original Toyama Black bowl.

It looked to be about a 30 minute walk, but for 200 yen you can ride the city’s streetcar. Just make sure you hop on the Loop Line.

The shop isn’t far from Grand-Plaza Mae.

This is a one menu item shop. Go for nami, the smallest size. It was plenty.

Toyama black is defined by the ultra-dark soy sauce and black pepper. Be sure to mix it up a bit before you slurp.

Shoyu-lovers rejoice! This one is so deep, so in-your-face. The soup soaks into everything, and the flavors are extreme.

I tried another Toyama Black from Iroha before at their Ikebukuro shop, and have to say that Taiki blew it away.

Not very crowded on a Sunday afternoon, which was surprising considering the sheer number of famous people who have been here.

Unfortunately, I think Taiki is a default go-to for TV shows that are trying to do a local-flavor type of show about Toyama. Despite the general disingenuous nature of the food reviews on these shows, I can say that Taiki is worthy of a visit.

I should also note that I visited Taiki a few years later and it wasn’t as good as the first time. Did it go downhill? Did my tastes change? Who knows.

Enjoy Toyama!

Official site here.

富山県富山市太田口通り1-1-7
Toyama-ken, Toyama-shi, Otaguchidori 1-1-7
Closest station: Toyama (or Grand Plaza-Mae)

Open 11:00-20:00
Closed Wednesdays

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大喜 (Taiki in Toyama)

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大喜 (Taiki in Toyama)

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ミツ星 (Mitsuboshi in Ebisu)

麺や紡 (Tsumugu in Osaka)

Tsuta in Singapore