【In the heart of summer】 A bowl of "Yokohama Ramen Hama-ya" that I want to eat even under the blazing sun

In mid-summer Yokohama, the temperature outside is 38 degrees Celsius. Walking for about 15 minutes towards "Yokohama Ramen Hama-ya" under the relentless sun. Waiting for me at the end of my sweaty journey was a rich tonkotsu shoyu ramen.

Yokohama-style ramen "Hama-ya," which you want to eat even while walking under the scorching sun

As I exit the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line "Kamiyaguchi Station," the air wraps around my body like a gentle embrace. The temperature that day was 38 degrees. The sunlight was sharp, and the heat bouncing off the asphalt made the perceived temperature feel even higher.

As I passed through the station front and entered the residential area, there was almost no shade on the road. A light sweat began to bead up, and the feeling of it sticking to my back and behind my knees gradually intensified.

After walking for about 12 to 13 minutes, I finally spotted a traffic light in the distance.

Turning right at that traffic light, the red sign of "Hama-ya" finally caught my eye.

Without hesitation, I purchased a ticket for "Tonkotsu Shoyu (Regular)" for 950 yen from the ticket vending machine and made my way to the counter seats. Even in the heat that feels like steam might rise from my body, my heart races with anticipation.

Six minutes later, the star of the show, the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, appeared.

About six minutes after taking my seat, the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen finally arrived. The moment I took a sip of the soup, I felt the rich flavor of pork bones and chicken bones ooze out from the marrow, creating an intense richness. The thick texture derived from collagen is impressive, yet it has a smooth mouthfeel that gives a sense of delicacy.

There is no greasiness; rather, the aftertaste is refreshing and does not feel heavy at all. The fragrant chicken fat adds depth to the overall dish, and the spoon naturally keeps moving back for more.

The medium-thick straight noodles have a chewy elasticity and pair wonderfully with the soup. As I slurp, the aroma of the soup gently spreads out.

The chashu is so tender that it can be cut effortlessly with chopsticks, and when brought to the mouth, the savory flavor of the meat spreads gently.

The spinach is well blanched. It absorbs the heat of the soup just right, providing a balanced presence as a palate cleanser.

The addictive quality accelerated by the garlic on the table

I tried dissolving a small amount of the paste-like garlic placed on the table into the soup. Then, the previously mellow soup took on a pleasant stimulation and punch, transforming into a completely different expression.

In the latter half, the junkiness and richness merged together, making it impossible to put down the chopsticks. Rather than forgetting the heat, it felt powerful, as if to say, "This bowl is perfect for summer."

Even drenched in sweat, I want to go back for another bowl

After the meal, stepping outside the shop, the relentless heat hit me again. The sweat clung to my trousers, and my whole body felt heavy.

Along the way, I gulped down a cold cola I bought from a vending machine, taking a breather. Still, I found myself naturally thinking, "I want to eat this flavor again" — the ramen from Hama-ya is a memorable bowl. On the way back, I pondered whether to add a seasoned egg next time or challenge myself with a large serving. While wiping away sweat, I made my way back to Upper Nagaya Station.

Yokohama Ramen Hama-ya
Location: 4-9-19 Maruyama-dai, Konan-ku, Yokohama

Interview & Text: SYURI

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