Fukuoka Prefecture is renowned by noodle aficionados around the world as birthplace of Hakata ramen. Another local favorite, not as well known, is Nagahama ramen, a specialty of central Fukuoka. It takes its name after the neighborhood in Chūō Ward, where it was first introduced by a small stall named Nagahama-ya—along with the concept of kaedama, a second helping of noodles. Originally founded in 1952, Nagahama-ya catered to fishery workers who typically had time only for a quick meal. With thin noodles and thick soup of pork bone broth, it…
