This week was supposed to mark the beginning of my annual Japan tour and of course, that came to an end with the world pandemic that has taken over. Missing on out on gigs is disappointing but not being able to enjoy my favorite ramen dishes is disappointing on another level but nothing that can’t be cured with something that reminds me of my second home, a bowl of hot Fukuoka style ramen. If I’m not able to enjoy it in Japan, then why not bring a little Japan home to me during this isolation period.
Fukuoka style ramen or rather referred to as Tonkotsu and originated from the prefecture of Kyushu in Fukuoka. The soup broth is based on pork bones and other ingredients, which are typically boiled for several hours, and the dish is traditionally topped with sliced pork belly and served with ramen noodles that are hard in the center. In Fukuoka, tonkotsu ramen is referred to as Hakata ramen which is my favorite style of ramen.