As "Hakodate's noodle kitchen", Ajisai actually has a number of branches in Hakodate. Their main flagship store is located at the corner of the Goryokaku Park (五稜郭公園) but this "Kurenai" branch at Hakodate Bay Bishoku Club near the city center is the one I like to visit due to its proximity to the other tourist attractions.
Their specialty is shio ramen which is highlighted by a light but flavorful, clear salt-based broth.
For those who're in love with miso ramen (like me), they offer a choice between red miso and white miso.
Last but not least, a variety of shoyu ramen with their soy-sauce based broth.
First, the house specialty. This came with a marinated egg, sliced pork and bamboo shoot. I thought their salt-based broth (made with kombu and seaweed stock) would be more overpowering but it turned out to be a lot lighter than I thought. But that's not to say that it's not flavorful.
It's very difficult to find a good white miso ramen in Hong Kong so this was a no-brainer for me.
Comparing to the previous shio ramen, the white miso-based broth was obviously a little richer and more flavorful. I thought the thickness of the broth really worked in its favor in bringing out the best from the extra firm noodles.
Some pan-fried gyoza to go with our soul-warming ramen. These gyoza didn't look all that good but they were surprisingly tasty. Underneath that crispy wrapper, we've got some juicy minced pork and diced vegetables. A real nice complement to the noodles I thought.
Located right to the La Vista Hakodate Bay Hotel, Ajisai is one of the city's best ramen shops that's simply not to be missed.
Food Rating: 6/10
Price: ￥￥￥
Address: 12-7 Toyokawacho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido, 040-0065 Japan
Tel: +81 138-26-1122
Website: www.ajisai.tv
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