MUSUBI: The Best Ramen in Kani City

Ah, Ramen. That wonderful and affordable steamy bowl of sustenance is well loved nationwide. Actually, it’s the one dish I cannot live without. To my whole family, this bowl of wonders will never go out of style. Whether it be winter, spring, fall, or even summer, we all partake in a hot bowl of wheat noodles and flavorful broth. Ramen is a heavenly creation to die for, as my youngest puts it.

Most of my boys have lived in Japan their whole life, and this basin of deliciousness has long been a regular staple on our table. And why not? It’s easy to prepare and contains a lot of healthy benefits. To one of my son’s surprise, this favorite dish of his originally came from China! He recently found out while eating at a ramen shop a few blocks from our house in Kani.

Said ramen shop is arguably, one of the best ramen shops in our city: Ramen Ichibanken. While it is a franchise with stores across the country (originating in Nagoya), the Ichibanken in Kani, Gifu is extra-special to us. When we want to have a pleasant family meal, it’s our go-to place.

Located 1.1 miles away from Imawatari station, Ramen Ichibanken is the place to go when you need your ramen fix. A quick Siri search told me that there are 29 ramen shops located within 2 mile radius from my place. That is a lot of places to get ramen!

But Ichibanken is special, maybe because the atmosphere is so cozy and accommodating; the feeling of a family meal perhaps. Or maybe it’s just the awesome taste of the food: rich, right and perfect. Either way, it’s a favorite hotspot of Kani locals.

For most, it's the ramen soup that divides opinions the sharpest. Shōyu or Miso? Tonkotsu or Shio? Everyone has their favorite. For me, in any bowl of ramen, it's the noodles that make or break the whole dish. Few things are less satisfying than subpar noodles.

Ichibanken does not disappoint. The noodles taste like they're made daily, if my taste buds aren't deceiving me. The ingredients are definitely fresh and flawless in quality. Not to be forgotten, the soup tastes heavenly. Ichibanken's specialty is Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) and it is as thick and hearty as it gets. What more could you ask for, really?

Not only that, but Ichibanken's side dishes bring the whole meal together in perfect harmony. Gyoza, fried rice, marinated pork and karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) make for some of the great sides. The servings are big enough to satisfy, but they're also an affordable specially to a very budget-conscious person like me.

As mentioned, locals frequent this place all the time, and even those just passing through feel the allure. The tastes keep them coming back for more, just as they will you if you ever find yourself hungry and in Gifu. Whenever the mood for some ramen strikes you, this place is impeccable. Definitely worth a visit!

Photo Credits:

Main Image: chippy_photo

Additional photos were provided by Joseph Cerezo, used with permission.

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