Jaws!
That’s what I said when I saw Sameya’s signboard. Lame, I sounded naive: I wasn’t ready to debate about shark finning whatsoever. I was just hungry or the predator.
Sameya’s signboard.
Below the signboard is a menu.
The production of ramen never seemed to stop.
Sameya (鮫麺屋) means “shark noodle/ramen shop” in Japanese (or perhaps in Chinese). Obviously, shark ramen (ふかひれラーメン / shark fin ramen) is their specialty. While there was always a waiting line, Sameya’s operation was so efficient that my shark ramen was conjured up even before I hit the counter (a backup waiter was taking an order where a chef could hear. It was sort of like a hybrid service of China and Japan).
Shark ramen (350yen / $2.70).
My shark ramen didn’t seem to have any shark body parts. I wasn’t sure if I should feel lucky or not. The umami-rich soup was starchy and thick, which was like a traditional shark fin soup. The noodles were ok: it was hot and fresh. The whole dish tasted peppery and mildly salty. I wasn’t quite sure what I was eating. So I asked Google and they said “Shark fin is tasteless.” Got it.
Sameya’s shark ramen was far from jaw-dropping, especially when one sought the flavor of shark. But for a ¥350 ramen, it did a great job.
Sameya (鮫麺屋) | 1-3-12 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, 〒650-0023, Japan
