Local News

Ichiran, the popular Fukuoka-based Hakata ramen chain, has started selling a nigori (“cloudy” ) sake made from the special wheat used to make ramen noodles. The new sake is called Tonkotsu Shu and has an alcohol content of 9%. The noodle maker wanted to make a sake that goes well with ramen, so they teamed up with Shinozaki, an Asakura-based sake brewer, early last year to develop the drink. The main ingredient of the sake is rice, but the ramen wheat gives it added texture. The milky white color of the nigori sake is reminiscent of tonkotsu soup. Ichiran is billing the sweet sake as an “aperitif you can enjoy with ramen and a variety of other dishes.” Tonkotsu Shu sells for ¥680 (tax included) a bottle (180 ml) and is available at all Ichiran locations throughout Japan and its online store. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Feb. 8