【Okayama Cuisine】Oki no Shima Ramen｜A burst of umami with flying fish and shellfish

During my trip to Okayama, I stayed at Hotel Abest Grande Okayama. While strolling around, I was drawn to the blue-and-white signboard of a ramen shop named "Oki no Shima Ramen," named after the town of Oki Island on the Sea of Japan. Upon checking the menu, I discovered that their specialty is "Flying Fish Broth" and "Rich Shellfish Soup," a rare seafood-based ramen style in Taiwan that I, as a ramen enthusiast, simply couldn't resist! I ordered two bowls this time: 🔹 Rich Shellfish Broth Ramen (850 yen) 🔸 Flying Fish Soy Sauce Ramen (850 yen) 🔹 Rich Shellfish Broth Ramen: A must-try for fans of rich flavors! As soon as the bowl was served, the aroma of the sea hit me—a burst of freshness from clams and scallops. The broth had a slightly milky appearance and was incredibly smooth to drink. It was rich but not overwhelming, with a natural sweetness from the shellfish. The char siu was seared, with beautifully distributed fat that melted in your mouth. Paired with refreshing green onions, it was a perfect combination! Add the tender soft-boiled egg, and you’ll find yourself finishing every last drop of this bowl. 🔸 Flying Fish Soy Sauce Ramen: Light yet flavorful, perfect for summer! The flying fish broth gave this ramen a balanced taste between lightness and richness. The soy sauce base wasn’t overly salty, and you could taste the depth from the dried flying fish simmered into the broth. The soy sauce soup wasn’t thick, but its aroma was just as captivating as the rich broth. The noodles were thinner and slightly firm, offering a chewy texture. The toppings were generous, including two large slices of char siu, a soft-boiled egg, green onions, and seaweed. The bowl was visually appealing and packed with sincerity. ✅ Summary "Oki no Shima Ramen" breaks away from traditional tonkotsu or miso ramen styles, opting for "the taste of the sea" that’s refreshing and comfortable without being overly heavy. Plus, they’re open in the afternoon and operate until 9 or 10 PM, making it tourist-friendly and perfect for avoiding peak hours. If you’re a fan of seafood-based broths, this place is a must-try! 📍 The shop also offers free noodle refills (Kaedama Muryou), making it an unbeatable value.