杭州飯店

Koshu Hanten is a full-on legend shop. One of the founders of Niigata-style seabura ramen. Seabura (背脂) is pork back fat, and the stuff covers bowls in this massive prefecture. I’ve heard that the hard-working rice farmers of this part of Japan needed something to give them the energy for long days in the fields. Whether that is true or myth, you’ll find a lot of pork fat in Niigata.

Koshu Hanten has around 85 years of experience. From humble beginnings as a yatai food cart to this.

Insane gyoza and tasty gyusijinikomi, beef tendon stewed in Japanese sauce, along with the ramen make for one of the most decadent, calorie-riddled meals I’ve had in a while. Could you say no to all this good stuff?

Sure, you could just go for ramen. I visited with a group of four adults and two children. Crushed it all.

The noodles here are on the thick side and a bit uneven. Noodles are obviously an integral part of any bowl of ramen. While the Tokyo trend is refined, something like the seabura ramen at Koshi Hanten is a breath of fresh air.

The owner is a character. The third or fourth generation, he carries on the tradition. Obviously, he’s happy to be ranked so highly in Ramen Walker magazine.

And he rides a badass Harley! Always good to see another #ramenrider out there.

Sorry, but this shop is a tad out of the way of any touristy spots in Niigata. Tsubame has many metal-working factories, so maybe you’ll come for that. Otherwise, hop off the bullet train, grab a bowl, and head on your way.

Ramen Adventures

Ramen Shop Reviews from Japan and Abroad

杭州飯店 (Koshu Hanten in Niigata)

ピラニアラーメン (Piranha Ramen at Ninja Cafe in Asakusa)

むぎくらべ (Mugikurabe in Ogawamachi, Tokyo)

杭州飯店 (Koshu Hanten in Niigata)

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ピラニアラーメン (Piranha Ramen at Ninja Cafe in Asakusa)

むぎくらべ (Mugikurabe in Ogawamachi, Tokyo)