Yumeya Ramen. Misawa, Japan. Feb. 2019. AKA “Cat Balls Ramen” by American locals. I’ll let you figure that one out! Photo by Greg Vessar

Last weekend, my wife and I were looking for a nice little place to have lunch. We are deep into winter here in our northern town of Misawa, so some warm Japanese comfort food was our goal and we found the perfect place: Yumeya Ramen, a.k.a. “Cat Balls Ramen” by American locals (I’ll let you figure that one out! hint: Check out the cat on the sign). Walking into Yumeya Ramen, I felt like I had been transported back in time to a sleepy little diner from the late 1970s in Small Town Anywhere. It is a small ramen shop with counter seating, table seating, and a small section to sit Japanese style. They have several choices of hot, hearty ramen and they also have rice bowls, gyoza, and cheese rolls! Yes, cheese rolls. The Japanese, as well as Americans, love these tasty morsels of creamy cheese wrapped in filo dough to resemble a taquito. No sauce needed!

Inside Yumeya Ramen in Misawa, Japan. Feb. 2019. Photo by Greg Vessar

Yumeya Ramen is a small cafe. The day we were there, it was fairly busy and only three people were manning the place. An older gentleman was the chef and two women took care of waiting on customers, serving food, collecting money, and cleaning tables. They also offered a delivery service utilizing a sturdy, metal lined box with several shelves for hot food storage that sealed tightly with a handle on top for secure delivery. Although it took awhile for our food to arrive, it was hot, delicious, and well worth the wait. Next time you are in Misawa and crave good food, Yumeya Ramen will not disappoint!  

Preparing to deliver some hot ramen. Yumeya Ramen in Misawa, Japan. Feb. 2019. Photo by Greg Vessar

© 2019 Gregory Vessar