With a desire to “deliver a supreme dish that embodies the rich ingredients of Tochigi Prefecture and that Tochigi can be proud of,” The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko has collaborated with AFURI Inc. to develop the “AFURI Kyosaku Tochigi Yuzu Shio Ramen.” It began to be served at The Bar on the first floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, from Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

AFURI, a ramen brand named after the pure, natural water that springs from the foot of Mt. Oyama (commonly known as Mt. Afuri), located at the eastern end of the Tanzawa mountain range in Kanagawa Prefecture. Its signature is a golden, orthodox clear broth, meticulously extracted from carefully selected ingredients. With its refreshing yuzu aroma and seared chashu pork, its unique flavor and worldview have captivated ramen enthusiasts worldwide.

This collaboration between AFURI and The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, known as the first luxury hotel in Tochigi Prefecture, has now become a reality. Driven by the aspiration to “deliver a supreme dish that embodies the rich ingredients of Tochigi Prefecture and that Tochigi can be proud of,” the “AFURI Kyosaku Tochigi Yuzu Shio Ramen” was developed.

The AFURI Kyosaku Tochigi Yuzu Shio Ramen is based on AFURI's secret recipe, featuring a soup carefully extracted from fresh chicken bones, aromatic vegetables, kelp, and bonito flakes, to which a special salt tare is added. This is then blended with the yellow yuzu juice from "Tokoi Yuzuen's" "Miyuyuzu," a rare yuzu said to grow in the mountains of Utsunomiya. It is said that meticulous trial and error went into bringing out the powerful yet refreshing aroma and bitterness of the yuzu.

Furthermore, Masakiyama Food Co., Ltd., a long-established company in Utsunomiya dating back to the Taisho era, crafted a dedicated cutting blade to produce unique noodles. By blending Tochigi-grown wheat "Yumekaori" with whole wheat flour and using egg whites, the result is noodles with an elegant flavor, a satisfying bite, and excellent compatibility with the soup.

The noodles and soup are served simply, with toppings such as chashu pork and seasoned egg, along with condiments, provided separately. While savoring the depth of each ingredient's texture and aroma, you can also enjoy variations in flavor by adding toppings and condiments to your ramen as desired. The four types of condiments are also recommended to be enjoyed with whiskey or cocktails. Perfect as a late-night meal after dinner, or during bar time with your favorite drink. This is a gem of a dish that can be enjoyed in various styles and settings.

AFURI Kyosaku Tochigi Yuzu Shio Ramen
Period | Available from Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Time | 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
Price | ¥5,800 (including tax and service charge)
Location | 1F The Bar