🍜 麺処WAKA – Bold Flavours & Friendly Vibes in Niigata

While staying in Niigata, the family was on the hunt for good ramen and 麺処WAKA (Mendokoro WAKA) came highly recommended—and it certainly lived up to the praise! Conveniently located just a short walk from our hotel (Dormy Inn), this ramen spot offered rich, flavorful broths that immediately stood out. I particularly loved the depth of their soup base, which I believe was made using seafood stock—a nice departure from the usual pork-based options. I ordered their mala ramen, which came with a serious kick! The spiciness was intense but well-balanced, making it deeply satisfying for spice lovers. The thick, al dente noodles held the broth perfectly, and portion sizes were generous. Ordering is done via a vending machine at the entrance, a common practice in Japan. I had a great chat with the chef, who surprisingly spoke Mandarin! He was warm, friendly, and genuinely interested in where we came from. That personal connection added a lot to the overall experience. Highly recommended for ramen fans looking for flavourful bowls, a bit of heat, and great local hospitality. #summervacay #niigataeats #waka麺処 #japaneseramen #spicyramen #malamen #niigatafoodtrip #dormyinnnearby #hiddengemsjapan #japan #japantrip #tohoku #travel #tohokutrip