Kurume Ramen

Today I had a karate "competition" in Fukuoka prefecture, in the middle of nowhere. We had a (not so) bright and early morning drive out there. I meant to take a picture of that, but I never got around to it... oops. Anyway, the tournament was just for kata, which is detailed patterned movement displaying different skills. You are judged by 5 grand-masters and given points. Whoever has the highest points wins. We were up against people who have been doing karate for waaaay longer, so we weren't too concerned about winning (which definitely did not even come close to happening). Since our dojo was making its first appearance at this tournament we also had to do a showcase kata all together.

When that finished I went up to Kurume City where I was determined to eat Kurume ramen (pictured). Kurume ramen is tonkotsu ramen, or pork bone broth ramen, as is most ramen on Kyushu. However, Kurume ramen is supposedly the original Kyushu ramen. The first ramen shop on Kyushu opened in Kurume in 1937. It's similar to the popular Hakata ramen from Fukuoka, but it tends to have a much thicker, bone-ier flavor and is often topped with nori, or seaweed.

I've gotta say it was really delicious. I asked a local for a good spot and was directed to a famous restaurant that he claimed was the first one, but I don't think he was right. He wasn't actually a local, only lived there for a few months, so I'll give him a break. It was delicious regardless. Oh and I love gyoza, potstickers, so I ordered some of those as well. DELICIOUS. I might go back just for those!!