[Japan Best Ramen Awards 2022 | 1st place] SP interview with Shota Iida, owner of “Raamen Iida Shoten”

The “Japan Best Ramen Awards” was held under the concept of “really delicious ramen selected by the owner of the ramen shop”. This time, we have a special interview with Shota Iida, the owner of Ramen Iida Shoten, which won first place among many famous restaurants nationwide. We asked Mr. Iida, who won first place for the second year in a row, how he deals with ramen, how the ramen industry should be, and what path it should take.

“Japan Best Ramen Awards” was held for the second time this year. Based on the concept of “a truly delicious ramen shop chosen by the owner of the ramen shop”, as a result of a survey of famous ramen shop owners all over Japan, many shop owners named “Raamen Iida Shoten”. It won 1st place. First of all, please tell us your frank impressions.

I’m so happy. I am very happy.

What is Curry Ramen?

You don’t really see “Curry Ramen” as a regular menu at most ramen shops in Japan; however, it does exist. Because having curry AND instant ramen in a combo, it is considered rather Otokomeshi or Men’s Meal, which implies all the dishes that men like to cook and eat. Do I hear some chuckles right now?

Ingredients

- 1 packet of shoyu or shio ramen

- 60g onions, thinly sliced

- 80-100g protein or choice

- 1 Japanese curry

- 1 scallion, sliced

- knob of butter, for serving

- sliced cheese, optional

1, Sauté onions in a small pot over medium high heat. Add protein of choice and cook per recommended time (depending on the protein). Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the noodles and soup base and cook for 2 minutes. Once noodles are loosened, reduce heat to low to medium low (gentle simmer) and dissolve the curry roux in a ladle.

2. Once dissolved, mix well and remove from heat.

3. Serve in a ramen bowl and top with scallions, butter and/or cheese. Enjoy!