Men-Eiji Hiragishi Base

"MEN-EIJI HIRAGISHI BASE" is located in a residential area of Toyohira Ward, Sapporo City, approximately a 10-minute walk from Minami-Hiragishi Station on the Namboku Subway Line. It is one of Sapporo's most highly-rated ramen shops, having been inducted into the Ramen Walker Grand Prix Hokkaido Hall of Fame, selected as a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a regular on Ramen HOKKAIDO Hyakumeiten (Top 100 Shops). Known as a pioneer who established seafood tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen in Sapporo, it is a renowned shop considered a symbol of the "Sapporo New Generation" that vividly redefines the traditional framework of Sapporo ramen. Its biggest feature is the MSG-free (mukachō) soup, which contains no chemical seasonings. It's a double soup (daburu sūpu) blend, combining a rich animal base made from pork bones, pork thigh, chicken bones, and chicken meat, with a layered seafood element such as mackerel flakes, dried sardines, and other dried fish flakes. The multi-layered flavor offers a thick, rich mouthfeel, with the seafood aroma spreading first, followed by the richness of the animal base. The signature Seafood Tonkotsu Shoyu (Soy Sauce) ramen, priced at 1100 yen, is the most popular and comes with free large portions. A classic "aji-hen" (flavor transformation) involves melting yuzu (Japanese citrus) jelly mid-meal, adding a refreshing citrus note that brings out a gentle quality within the powerful flavor. The noodles are homemade, medium-thick, straight, and contain whole wheat flour. Their grayish color is a unique specification that defines the depth of the soup. The toppings have a unique composition: char siu (chāshū, slow-cooked and moist, with a smoky aroma), thinly shredded burdock root, chopped purple onion, and green onions. The inclusion of thinly shredded burdock root in ramen is particularly rare and is supported as a unique presence. They offer a diverse lineup, including light shoyu ramen from its founding, Sapporo Miso Ramen, Hidaka Konbu (kelp) Shoyu, Duck Ramen, and limited-time Tomamae Octopus Ramen. Repeat customers enjoy comparing different dishes over multiple visits. The side dish, Shiraoi Wagyu Sukiyaki Rice (450 yen), is a luxurious set featuring rich umami from wagyu beef soaked in a sweet and savory sauce. Mixing in an egg yolk instantly enhances its creaminess. The modern and stylish concrete-themed interior, polite customer service, and ticket vending machine with card payment support make it easily accessible for tourists.