La-men NIKKOU (ラーメンにっこう) Hikone

鶏白湯 塩 / Tori Paitan Shio / La-men Nikkou - Hikone, Shiga

Creamy soup is made using chicken carcasses from Shiga, simmered for long hours. Noodles are by Teigaku, based in Kyoto. Run by master Kouji Nishikawa-san, who goes by the nickname "Nikkou." For Nishikawa-san, ramen is 'fast food' (cheap and quick), yet also 'slow food' (influenced by premium ingredients and food culture). He says ramen should also be a kind of 'junk food,' delivering high energy and satisfying every time. These thoughts reflect both the ramen master and customer, and are deep feelings that constantly develop over time for Nishikawa-san and the concept of his shop. He will never quit or run away from ramen, as the staff t-shirts imply. Originally opened in 2005, moved to its current location in 2014. 2nd branch opened in the Netherlands in 2018. Less