Hiroshima is famous for its delicious local specialties, such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, fresh oysters, and anago-meshi. However, if you’re a ramen lover looking for something different, tsukemen (dipping noodles) is a must-try dish. With its rich, flavorful broth and thick, chewy noodles, tsukemen offers a unique and satisfying dining experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best tsukemen in Hiroshima, helping you discover the top spots to enjoy this incredible dish.
What Makes Tsukemen Special?
Unlike traditional ramen, where noodles are served in a bowl of soup, tsukemen is served with separate dipping broth. The noodles are typically thicker, providing a chewy texture that holds up well when dipped into the concentrated, umami-rich soup. The broth is usually more intense in flavor, featuring ingredients like pork bone, fish, or soy sauce, and is often topped with chashu (braised pork), menma (bamboo shoots), and green onions.
One of the best things about tsukemen is that you can customize the experience by adjusting the dipping duration and adding condiments like vinegar, chili oil, or lime for an extra kick. If you haven’t tried tsukemen yet, Hiroshima has some excellent spots where you can enjoy this fantastic dish.
Top Tsukemen Shops in Hiroshima
Here are some of the best places to enjoy tsukemen in Hiroshima. Each of these restaurants offers a unique take on this popular noodle dish, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Bakudanya (ばくだん屋)
Bakudanya is a well-known Hiroshima-based restaurant famous for its spicy dipping noodles, also known as "Hiroshima-style tsukemen." The broth is spicy and tangy, made with soy sauce, chili oil, and a blend of secret spices. Customers can choose their preferred level of spiciness, ranging from mild to extremely hot. The noodles are served cold, making them refreshing, especially during Hiroshima’s hot summers. If you enjoy bold flavors and a little heat, Bakudanya is a must-visit!
2. Menya Always (麺屋オールウェイズ)
Menya Always is a hidden gem that specializes in tsukemen with a rich tonkotsu-gyokai (pork and seafood) broth. The noodles are thick and have a fantastic texture, perfectly complementing the flavorful broth. The chashu here is incredibly tender, and they also offer a special yuzu-infused dipping sauce, adding a refreshing citrus twist to the dish. The cozy atmosphere and high-quality ingredients make this a top choice for tsukemen lovers.
3. Tetsu (つけ麺TETSU)
Tetsu is a well-known tsukemen chain from Tokyo that has gained popularity in Hiroshima for its thick, rich dipping sauce. The broth is made from pork and fish stock, creating a deep umami flavor that clings perfectly to the noodles. One of the unique aspects of Tetsu’s tsukemen is that they provide a heated stone to reheat your dipping broth if it gets cold, ensuring you enjoy the flavors until the last bite.
4. GABA (ガバヲ)
GABA is a small but highly-rated ramen shop in Hiroshima that serves an outstanding tsukemen with a creamy, thick dipping sauce. Their signature broth is made from a slow-cooked mix of pork bones and seafood, giving it an intense yet balanced flavor. They also offer a unique miso-based tsukemen for those who prefer a slightly different taste profile. The friendly staff and cozy setting make GABA a great place to enjoy a warm bowl of tsukemen.
5. Ramen Ichikura (ラーメン一九)
Ramen Ichikura is another excellent spot for tsukemen in Hiroshima. They are known for their thick noodles and deeply flavored, soy-based dipping sauce. The broth is slightly sweeter than other places, providing a perfect balance to the savory noodles. The portions are generous, and their homemade toppings, like marinated eggs and bamboo shoots, enhance the experience.
How to Enjoy Tsukemen Like a Local
If you’re new to tsukemen, here are some tips to get the most out of your experience:
Dip, Don’t Soak: Since tsukemen broth is highly concentrated, only dip a portion of your noodles into the broth at a time to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Customize Your Flavors: Most places offer condiments like vinegar, yuzu, or chili oil. Experiment with them to adjust the taste to your liking.
Finish with "Soup Wari": Some restaurants offer a light broth to mix with the leftover dipping sauce, turning it into a drinkable soup.
Why You Should Try Tsukemen in Hiroshima
While Hiroshima is famous for its regional delicacies, its tsukemen scene is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. The combination of rich broths, thick noodles, and customizable flavors makes it an unforgettable experience for noodle lovers. Whether you prefer spicy, seafood-based, or miso-infused dipping sauces, Hiroshima’s tsukemen shops offer something for everyone.
If you're visiting Hiroshima, make sure to explore the best tsukemen spots and indulge in this flavorful dish. Have you tried tsukemen in Hiroshima? Share your experiences in the comments or reach out if you need recommendations for your trip!
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