HINODEYA Campbell Town

HINODEYA Campbell Town is the Campbell outpost of the Japanese ramen brand "Wafu Rakumen Yondaime Hinodeya." You’ll spot it by the wooden exterior and the white *noren*—those traditional split curtains hanging over the door—sporting the shop’s name. The "Fourth Generation" and "SINCE 1885" labels on the sign are the real deal: the original Hinodeya opened right in front of Saitama’s Hasuda Station back in 1885. After 130 years and four generations, the brand was rebooted in 2012 with a focus on *dashi*-style ramen before crossing the Pacific to San Francisco in 2016. They’ve now grown to nine locations across the States. At the heart of everything they do is their *dashi*—a traditional Japanese soup stock brewed from kelp, bonito flakes, and scallops. It’s all about a clean, light, and refreshing broth rather than the heavy, creamy *tonkotsu* (pork bone) style you might be used to. Their signature Hinodeya Ramen looks crystal clear but packs a punch. Scallop oil and a touch of lard bring out the aroma, and it's topped with chashu pork, bamboo shoots, a gooey soft-boiled egg, nori, and some greens, finished with a pop of red chili threads right in the center. If you're a seafood lover, the Hamaguri Ramen is a must—the bowl is loaded with small, open clams in a buttery bonito and kelp broth with a hint of garlic, piled high with scallions and white sesame seeds. For those sweltering days, the summer-only Ocean Breeze is a chilled version of that clam broth, served with three lemon slices and a crack of black pepper for a sharp, zesty finish. Don't skip the Chicken *Kara-age* (Japanese-style fried chicken); it’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with black pepper. It comes with a little jar of matcha salt to sprinkle on—the slight bitterness of the tea powder is a game-changer for cutting through the richness. The menu also features miso, *tori paitan* (creamy chicken broth), sukiyaki beef, and even three vegan ramen options, along with rice bowls, matcha shaved ice, and plenty of Japanese beer and sake. Perfect for family dinners, kids, and anyone craving a light, refreshing Japanese broth for lunch or dinner.