Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan｜Isono Kazuo "Sapporo Black" Ramen

A little ramen shop run by one person. The most popular menu is the “Sapporo Black” ramen. It appears to be popular amongst the locals as an after drinks place, and we were the only foreigners in the queue. There are only 7 seats so be prepared to wait. However, turnover is fairly quick and people are fast to eat then leave. The black ramen comes in 3 sizes (regular, half and large). The regular size is generous. There is no English menu but you can get by using Google translate to scan the menu. If you’re familiar with South East Asian cuisine, it tasted like braised pork.

45-minute line to a hole-in-the-wall ramen place with only 7 seats. A master chef of ramen is at work here, ladies and gentlemen. If you've never been here, get the "black ramen" first. The broth—such depth of umami and smokiness. The noodles were perfectly al dente. All for the mind-blowing price of ¥900 (as of 02/April/2023). It truly was heartening to see Mr. Kazuo work his craft at such speed (he was a one-man show when I went). Yes, the lone is long. Yes, the restaurant is cramped. But, this place is another example of Japan's craftsmanship with its food. If you can stay up past 10PM, please go. Inside the Asahi Building. Floor 1. Look for the glass door with the label "2•3". It is inside and not visible from the street. Parking is relatively easy. Public Transit is close by. Yes, the hours are indeed 10PM (22:00) to 6AM (06:00). He is a night owl operation. Cash Only. Please try to bring smaller bills or coins as to ease the payment process.

Waited in line for about an hour to get in and was very much worth it. I ordered a Sapporo Black. The broth looks deceptively heavy (by color) yet is very light! The pork cut used has some fat to it that compliments the broth really well, too. If I come by Sapporo again, I'll try to find time to come again!