【Market Gourmet】 Three large oysters from Sanriku are topped on the ramen! What does the taste of "oyster salt ramen" in Yokohama Central Market taste like?

"Ramen Oohashi," located in Yokohama Central Wholesale Market. I was recommended to go and try the ramen topped with large oysters, using a homemade noodle made every morning in the shop and a broth without additives.

Yokohama's kitchen - Yokohama Central Market

About a 5-minute drive from Minato Mirai. There lies the Yokohama Central Market, which supports the dining tables of the citizens as Yokohama's kitchen. In contrast to the crowded tourist area of Minato Mirai, a lively scene filled with the energy and enthusiasm of market professionals spreads out.

Although I have enjoyed meals at Yokohama Central Market several times, I am always confused about where to park. The parking lot for general customers is at the "Yokohama Central Wholesale Market Headquarters." There is a sign indicating that entry is forbidden for general customers near the entrance, but let's confidently go inside.

Since it had been a while since I last visited Yokohama Central Market, I was a bit nervous, but a security guard asked me, "Are you here for a meal?" which eased my nerves! After parking, the process is to go to the security office and receive an admission badge. The officer's response was smooth, and they seem accustomed to welcoming general customers.

The row of restaurants is in the related building. Here, about 15 restaurants line up. Even though I stopped by during lunchtime on a weekday, it was more crowded than I had imagined! Considering the location, I thought there would be many nearby businessmen, but surprisingly, tourists who seemed to have come from far away stood out. Especially at the sushi shops, long queues formed, creating an unexpectedly vibrant atmosphere.

Three large oysters! Today's goal is "oyster salt ramen."

In the midst of this, I stopped by "Ramen Oohashi." Their business hours are from 7 AM to 2 PM (last order at 1:30 PM), tailored to the market’s schedule. It seems you can enjoy a carefully crafted bowl of ramen made with additive-free soup and homemade noodles prepared every morning at the shop. Strongly recommended by my ramen-loving husband with a "You have to try this, it will move you!" I finally made my way there.

Ramen Oohashi
Location / 1-1 Yamauchi-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business hours / 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Last order at 1:30 PM)

Upon entering the shop, I found a compact yet clean atmosphere. Apparently, it seems to follow a style where you purchase a meal ticket from a vending machine and hand it to the staff at the counter.

While waiting at my seat, I noticed a tabletop POP in front of me stating that they ask for self-service to save on labor costs and allocate funds for purchasing good ingredients. The dedication to the ramen is palpable, and my expectations are rising.

Before I knew it, there was a call for my order! The long-awaited "Kaki Shio Ramen" (1,680 yen). Lavishly topped with three large oysters. Wow… as an oyster lover, this visual is irresistible. While waiting, I learned from their official Instagram that the seaweed topping comes from Tsutakenshoten, famously known as the family business of talent Tetsuro Degawa.

The noodles are medium-thick and straight. They have a smooth texture and a supple chewiness, with the aroma of wheat becoming more pronounced with each bite.

The soup looks light, but the umami from the oysters and dashi is strong! At this point, the soup alone is so high in quality that it could be considered a standalone dish.

The ramen is so blissful that I inadvertently put my chopsticks down.

And now, I’m ready to tackle the long-awaited oysters! After one bite… the rich umami of the sea bursts forth. The punchy oyster extract pierces through my head… Oh dear, the bliss is so intense that I’ve involuntarily paused with my chopsticks. As I enjoy the ramen while savoring this rich aftertaste, the earlier "oyster salt ramen" transforms into an even deeper flavor. What a blissful ramen it is!

As I continued eating, I noticed that this ramen is quite substantial! Perhaps it’s a service spirit to satisfy the appetites of those working in the market, given that it’s a ramen shop located in the market. I usually order ramen with rice, but this one bowl filled me up completely. Please make sure to arrive hungry and go savor the carefully crafted "oyster salt ramen."

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