If you ever wanted to visit Japan and try their delicious ramen dishes first-hand, then now is your chance!
You won’t exactly be flying out to the other side of the world, but seven ramen shops from Japan will make their way over to New York City this weekend for an epic Ramen Contest where you will be part of the process to crown a winner.
The All Japan Ramen Contest at Japan Fes will be a first for the competition. Of the seven shops coming to NYC, each represents distinct regional styles from the Eastern and Western areas of the country.
Japanese food has grown in popularity quickly, with ramen shops becoming almost as plentiful as Starbucks in the city. That being said, if you’re a fan of the savory soup dish, this will be the most authentic Japanese ramen experience you’ll have without physically taking a trip!
The full list of participating ramen shops coming from Japan include:
鯛塩そば 灯花 / Toka (Tokyo Prefecture) – Japanese Spirit -King of Fish Ramen-
島田製麺食堂/ Shimada Seimen Shokudo (Osaka Prefecture) – Kobe Michelin Bib Gourmands Tantanmen (Spicy Ramen)
麺処 若武者/ Wakamusha (Fukushima Prefecture) – Fukushima Chicken Paitan Ramen
濃厚豚骨ラーメン 弦流 / Genryu (Hyogo Prefecture)- Premium Tonkotsu Limited
IN EZO (Hokkaido Prefecture) – Real Japanese Rich Miso Ramen
GOGO 宝来軒ーGOGO宝来軒/ Horaiken (Niigata Prefecture) – Echigo Style Abura Soba MERIKEN
麺屋政宗 / Masamune (Miyagi Prefecture) – Champion Ramen
Here’s a look at what to expect from the tasty experience:
The competition is part of Japan Fes, which will offer a variety of other Japanese street food, snacks, and products from vendors such as Mingei Japan, Moffle Bar, Karl’s Balls, and RESOBOX. During Sunday’s scheduled event, there will also be performances by Japanese artists like TiA, Kohei, and Mana Ito.
Admission to the all-day festival will be free, but each ramen dish will cost $10 cash. The contest will take place on Saturday, April 28, in Chelsea between 15th and 16th Street on 8th Ave as well as in Astoria on Sunday, April 29, between Broadway and 34th Ave on Steinway.
Slurp on as many ramen as your stomach will allow you to from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. all weekend long. After casting in your votes for the best spots, if your choices match the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ramen shop winners you’ll have a chance at winning a trip to Japan!
This is definitely an event ramen lovers won’t want to miss. Stay updated on the event through their facebook site here.