Authentic Japanese Ramen at 81 Banya

Miso chya-syu ramen at Ramen 81 Banya in Itaewon /Korea Times Photo by Lee Hyo-won

Seoul has its fair share of ramen eateries, but Ramen 81 Banya on the main drag of Itaewon is an undying favorite among aficionados of the savory Japanese noodles.

The owner, 57-year-old Mr. Kasahara, brought over his 25-year cooking know-how from Japan in 2003, and his handmade noodles have since been bringing in a string of faithful customers. One young man, who spent a month-long trip in Japan eating ramen twice a day, claims that 81 Banya is the singular local eatery that remains uninfluenced by Korean ramyeon.

The restaurant’s ``Japan-ness’’ can be found in every corner of its slim, humble interior. Furnished by just a couple of tables and a long counter lined with stools, it feels like stepping into a Japanese eatery. Ramen manics can also pick up a copy of a Ramen bible in Korean for 5,000 won.

The menu is very simple, with two types of noodles and a few variations of each. The soy sauce-based syo-yu ramen (7,000 won) has a lighter, refreshing taste and comes with a slice of chya-syu, or fatty pork imported from France. The miso or Japanese bean curd flavored ramen (8,000 won) comes without the chya-syu. It isn’t salty but has a deep, tangy flavor that is very soft on the palate. Both are topped with green bean sprouts, corn and seaweed, of which extra portions can be ordered for 1,000 won each. Each additional slice of chya-syu is also 1,000 won.

Many ramen lovers often prefer the chya-syu ramen (11,000 won), which comes with a generous serving of the scrumptious pork. Meat lovers will appreciate it while those who crave steamy noodles will find it a bit much. Some go a step further and add butter (1,000 won) to their miso chya-syu ramen (13,000 won). While this may sound like cholesterol abuse, the taste is at least more savory than greasy. But this, too, is for the more ``experienced’’ ramen eater.

The true highlight of the place, though, is the ramen-eating competition found in many Japanese manga (comics). Anyone can brave the jumbo size: four servings of any ramen selection. The prize? Forfeiting the price of 20,000 won and a picture mounted in the hall of fame.

There are several rules: you can’t let the noodles go cold, and you must finish the meal within 20 minutes; you must remain seated at all times; and lastly, you must surrender without hesitation if it is too much. Regarding the last rule, there is a 30,000-won fine should a clean up be required in the wake of any biological hazard one might cause, as it may become difficult to keep the noodles down (in addition to the price of the ramen, the total would be 50,000 won).

Over the years, less than 300 of over 1,500 contestants have succeeded. The record of 3 minutes, 51 seconds, set by a young man, remains unbroken, while a female contender tops the scoreboard with 9 minutes, 7 seconds. Those who find the regular portions a bit small, but are not ready for the jumbo size, can order the big selection, which is an additional 2,000 won for each bowl.

Also included in the menu are fried rice and curry rice, both costing 6,000 won and available in mini portions at 3,000 won. Japan’s dry Asahi beer is served cold for 6,000 won.

Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a short break to make noodles between 3 and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Closed on Mondays. Located next to Itaewon Hotel near exit 2 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6. Call (02) 792-2233.