Spicy and spicy ramen is popular with a “separate stomach”! Satoko Morimoto, a ramen girl who eats 600 bowls of ramen a year, recommends “10 ramen dishes you should eat in 2025”.

Young Women Set New Trends

In 2024, restaurant bankruptcies hit a record pace as soaring food and utility costs and wage hikes to recruit and retain staff put pressure on profits. According to a survey by Tokyo Shoko Research, ramen restaurant closures through September 2024 have already reached an annual high.

Satoko Morimoto, a ramen event producer who eats more than 600 bowls of ramen a year and disseminates information as a “ramen girl,” points out that “the industry has entered a state of saturation.

The ramen trend in 2024 has not changed noticeably. What attracted attention was “neo-kei” ramen, an evolution of the traditional Chinese noodle in a modern style. On the other hand, as the number of women eating ramen increased, spicy ramen became popular as a “separate stomach,” and more and more women voiced their willingness to try spicy ramen in particular. The world of spiciness has become more diverse, with an increasing number of people on social networking services enjoying the different tastes of the different types of chili peppers.

Spicy ramen, which is refreshing and stress-relieving to eat, has become especially popular among young women.

It is not unusual to see young women in line now, and I feel that this indicates that we are setting a new trend in the ramen industry. I think this phenomenon will have a major impact on future trends in the ramen industry.”

We asked her to choose 10 cups of ramen to eat in 2025.

1) Ramen Smith [Sendai, Miyagi

Ramensmith, Sendai’s hottest niboshi ramen restaurant, has a thick soup made from a large amount of niboshi and a deep miso sauce that is very appealing!　In particular, the “Karai Shibire Miso Ramen” is a dish that combines the strongest trio of Sendai miso, sansho (a type of Japanese pepper), and chili pepper.

The gorgeous aroma and stimulation are addictive, and many repeat customers keep coming back. It is worth a visit even from other prefectures, as many artists have visited this popular restaurant. Please come and experience the high potential and charm of Sendai ramen.

Address: 1-3-21 Haramachi, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture Hours: 11:00 – 15:00 18:00 – 22:00 (close when soup is gone) Closed: Wednesdays, December 31 – January 3, and other occasional holidays

(2) Garidebuchu [Sendai, Miyagi

After running a restaurant in Sendai City for about 10 years, “Garidebuchu” entered the ramen industry in 2008. The restaurant has become popular, especially among young people, because of its unique name, which expresses the wish that everyone, whether thin or fat, will be able to fill up.

The signature dish, “Mapo Noodles,” boasts an order rate of over 80%, and is available in a variety of unique spicy variations, such as “Super Hot Mapo Noodles,” which is a must for those who love super spicy food!　There are also a variety of other soupless series that offer a variety of textures and flavors to enjoy. This is a must-visit restaurant for spicy lovers.

Address: 1-5-13 Kawaramachi, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi Business hours: (Tuesday-Saturday) 11:00-14:30, 17:30-21:00 (Sunday) 11:00-14:30 Closed: Every Monday