Muroran Curry Ramen Day
Food DaysWhat Is Muroran Curry Ramen Day?
April 25 is Muroran Curry Ramen Day in Japan. It was established by the Muroran Curry Ramen Association, a group of ramen shops in Muroran, Hokkaido, and the surrounding area, to mark the association's founding on April 25, 2006. In March 2024, the day was registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.
Aiming to Be Hokkaido's "Fourth Flavor"
The Muroran Curry Ramen Association works to promote Muroran curry ramen, a local specialty, across Japan.
- Founding of the association: The association was founded on April 25, 2006, with 21 ramen shops from Muroran, Noboribetsu, and Date.
- The fourth flavor: It aims to establish curry ramen as Hokkaido's fourth flavor, following Sapporo's miso, Hakodate's salt, and Asahikawa's soy sauce ramen.
- A date chosen by the public: Ideas for the date were collected from May 16 to 31, 2006. From 72 submissions, April 25, the day of the association's founding meeting, was chosen.
- A national first: According to the Muroran Minpo newspaper, this was the first registration of a curry ramen day in Japan.
60% of About 50 Shops Serve It
According to the association, about 60% of the roughly 50 ramen shops in the Muroran area serve curry ramen. It is known for its thick soup and medium-thick wavy noodles, and each shop owner has refined their own curry broth. Curry ramen is said to have been served in Muroran for more than 50 years.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Have a bowl of curry ramen and enjoy the combination of ramen and curry
- Check the Muroran Curry Ramen Association's official website for member shops and its food-walking map
- Compare it with Hokkaido's other local ramen styles: miso, salt, and soy sauce
- If you visit Muroran, try the different curry broths at several shops
A Day When Two Favorites Meet
Muroran Curry Ramen Day on April 25 celebrates a local specialty that ramen shops in the area have built up together. Muroran curry ramen lets you enjoy both ramen and curry, two of Japan's favorite foods, in one bowl. Why not have some curry ramen today and think about Hokkaido's "fourth flavor"?