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

Ramen Adventures

Ramen Shop Reviews from Japan and Abroad

大喜 (Taiki in Toyama)

ミツ星 (Mitsuboshi in Ebisu)

麺や紡 (Tsumugu in Osaka)

Tokyo Bay Fisherman's Noodle in Yokosuka, Kanagawa

大喜 (Taiki in Toyama)

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ミツ星 (Mitsuboshi in Ebisu)

麺や紡 (Tsumugu in Osaka)

Tokyo Bay Fisherman's Noodle in Yokosuka, Kanagawa