Ramen is probably one of the dishes you look forward to eating in Japan.
There is a ramen I’d love to introduce you to try when you visit Nagoya. If you are thinking, “It’s Taiwan Ramen, right? I did a bit of ‘Nagoya Meshi’ research by myself.” ― hold on a second. It’s not Taiwan Ramen. That is “Sugakiya (寿がきや, often written スガキヤ)”.
Sugakiya
Sugakiya is a ramen chain with about 300 locations, primarily in the Tokai region. But for Nagoyan (Nagoya locals) or anywhere in Aichi Prefecture, Sugakiya is not just a ramen chain ― it is a childhood memory, a Saturday afternoon at the shopping mall with your family, the first bowl of ramen you remember, and many Nagoya people ate as children and still eat today. For Nagoyan, Sugakiya is a nostalgic place and taste of home. I still remember the sense of pride and joy I felt when I finished a whole bowl of ramen all on my own for the first time at Sugakiya.
What Makes Sugakiya Different
Sugakiya ramen is probably a little different from the ramen you’re imagining.
Sugakiya’s ramen soup is called “Wafu-Tonkotsu (和風とんこつ)” ― a hybrid broth that blends pork bone (tonkotsu) with Japanese seafood dashi stock. The result is lighter and cleaner than the heavy, milky tonkotsu of Fukuoka-style ramen. It’s the one-and-only “Sugakiya flavor”. Sugakiya soup is one of those things I find myself craving from time to time.
Also, Sugakiya is a very affordable option for everyone. Compared to specialty ramen shops in Tokyo, where a bowl typically costs between 800 to 1,500 yen, the base ramen starts at approximately 430 yen at Sugakiya. I’d like you to know that this is not “cheap” in the sense of low quality, but it is accessible so allows anyone to enjoy.
The perfectly balanced soup (light and rich) and affordable price might be what make Sugakiya loved by children to the elderly. If your budget is tight but you don’t want to miss out on enjoying local food while traveling, Sugakiya is a perfect place to go:)
The Ramen Fork ― A MoMA Design
Well, I have to mention the Ramen Fork (ラーメンフォーク) when I talk about Sugakiya. The Sugakiya ramen fork is a hybrid cutlery that is part spoon, part fork. The bowl of the spoon is fully functional for scooping broth; four short prongs extend from the rim of the bowl, allowing you to pick up noodles. In theory, you can eat a whole bowl of ramen with just this ramen fork.
In 1978, the ramen fork was developed with environmental concerns in mind, specifically to address the issue of excessive disposable wooden chopstick consumption, and redesigned in 2007. It was developed in collaboration with Noritake, the famous tableware company, also Nagoya local company.
One year later, in 2008, highly recognized for its functional beauty and underlying ecological philosophy, MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art, New York) selected the Sugakiya ramen fork for their Design Store.
MoMA Design Store — Ramen Spork
MoMA Design Store Japan
Here is the part of the story that nobody tells in the design press…the vast majority of locals simply use the chopsticks and use ramen fork as a soup spoon ;p This is not a bad design of the fork, but it is simply that chopsticks are faster and habitual for those who grew up in Japan. But it’s decently perfect for children and anyone who struggles with using chopsticks. If you are feeling tired of fighting with noodles that slip right off your chopsticks, Sugakiya’s ramen fork will bring you a moment of peace;)
Just for your information, today, reusable chopsticks are the standard at the most of Sugakiya stores (wooden “disposable chopsticks” are provided with takeout orders). As part of eco-friendly initiatives, it is now common to find both “ramen forks” and “reusable chopsticks” available at Sugakiya. We haven’t forgotten, even using chopsticks, about eco-friendly spirit:)
If you visit Sugakiya, you absolutely must try the “Cream Zenzai (クリームぜんざい)”!
“Cream Zenzai” is red bean soup (Zenzai) topped with soft-serve ice cream (I know, anko again ;p). It may be a personal bias, but ramen + cream zenzai is the proper way to eat and enjoy at Sugakiya. The combination of salty and sweet is the best! Of course, at Sugakiya, sweets are also available at an affordable price. Cream zenzai costs approx. 290 yen so even if you order ramen + cream zenzai, it’s under 1,000 yen.
Where to Find & Where to Go
There are Sugakiya stores at Nagoya station and Osu. If you are visiting Nagoya, you most probably visiting both of these places so it would be accessible options for visitors.
Nagoya station (名古屋駅エスカ店)
Osu (大須赤門店)
Osu (大須店)
Sugakiya also sells cup noodles, instant noodles, and chilled ramen at supermarkets and convenience stores.
How about a local eating experience and a MoMA-certified souvenir to bring back home?
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