Saien — Restaurant in Hakodate

I chanced upon this place while I was walking to the ropeway and decided to drop in for lunch since I saw some good reviews online. I ordered the salt ramen with dumplings and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised that I liked both given that I am usually quite critical of ramen and dumplings. The soup was light but it was enough to bring the flavourful taste to you. The owners are old so do expect some delays if there are many customers in the restaurant at any one time. The price for the food was reasonable but what i brought back with me was the feeling of warmth radiating from the elderly couple.

If you are in the area, do give...

Typical small rural ramen restaurant. Large serves of delicious ramen. More than either my wife or I could eat. One bowl would have done both of us! They also have giosa dumplings. The Sapporo Clasic beer was good also. Reasonably priced. Be prepared for a short que if it is a weekend (but this is common for a good ramen restaurant at...

Came here to try the circa 1935 shio ramen. Got the chashuu shio ramen 1000円. Pretty good for a 90 year old recipe, not much fat or lard, very clear broth. The chashu was lean meat. The restaurant isn't too tourist friendly, I'd say which is why Ajisai is more famous. All locals when I went. Overall a cool experience to go back in...