It was nearly 3 p.m., and I was craving something to eat. However, many shops and restaurants in Hakodate close between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., making it challenging to find a meal during this time. Houran Ramen (函館ラーメン 鳳蘭) is one of those rare gems that stays open continuously from opening to closing. Established in 1950, this long-standing restaurant has been a staple of the Hakodate food scene for decades.
Inside, the layout is simple yet cozy. Tables are arranged on the left, while a counter surrounds the open kitchen on the right as you enter.
The menu is straightforward. If you simply ask for “ramen,” they will serve you their signature shio (salt-based) ramen. For those who prefer variety, they also offer shoyu (soy sauce) ramen and miso ramen.
But Houran Ramen isn’t just a ramen shop. It’s a Chinese restaurant with a diverse menu that includes yakisoba, fried rice, curry dishes, and hearty “starchy foods.” They even have set meals that pair ramen with rice, shumai (steamed dumplings), and pickles.
If you’re in the mood for something to accompany a drink, there are plenty of small dishes designed to complement alcohol. One item that caught my eye was the “One Plate,” which reminded me of Taiwan Railway Bento (台鐵便當). The zariji (fried pork karaage) looked particularly appetizing too!
This time, I ordered wonton noodles. Just saying, “Wonton noodles, please,” was enough for them to serve me their classic shio-based wonton noodles. It came with a clear, golden soup, soft noodles, two slices of roasted pork, bamboo shoots, green onions, and six silky wontons.
The soup is rich in flavor, made primarily from pork and chicken bones, with a noticeable hint of chemical seasoning that gives it a nostalgic, old-school taste. The wontons were soft and smooth, adding a nice texture to the dish.
I added chemical seasonings on the tables.
The noodles, sourced from Deguchi Noodles, a nearby noodle shop, were narrow and tender, pairing beautifully with the soup’s light yet flavorful profile. Houran Ramen doesn’t follow modern ramen trends. Its flavors are deeply rooted in the classic Hakodate style, evoking memories of simpler times. While the chemical seasoning might be stronger than what some are used to, it perfectly complements the soup’s subtle saltiness.
To accompany my ramen, I enjoyed a glass of Draft beer is Sapporo Classic. Its light, crisp taste was a perfect match for the meal. Just the right amount to savor, though if you’re a big drinker, you might finish it quickly!
About
Name Houran ramen (函館ラーメン 鳳蘭)
Open Lunch, Dinner
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
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