Used Car Dealership in Japan Gets Michelin Recognition for Its Ramen
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By Bryan Ke
A small used car dealership in Tottori city, Tottori Prefecture, Japan has been recognized by Michelin for its incredibly affordably and delicious ramen.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ramen-1.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
The small restaurant, called Hot Air, was mentioned in the “Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka + Tottori 2019” that was published last October.
It is described as “Bib Gourmand,” a categorization that “recognizes restaurants offering quality food at a maximum of 5,000 JPY.” A bowl of their famous ramen only costs 800 yen ($7), according to Grapee.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ramen-2.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Katsumi Yoshida first opened the car dealership in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2012 when he decided to renovate a meeting space within the dealership by placing tables and chairs. The dealership then began serving ramen that, slowly but surely, became quite famous in the area by word-of-mouth.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ramen-3.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Yoshida’s love for ramen began at 5 years of age when his grandmother would often expose him to delicious flavors of ramen. He carried this into his adult life where he built a routine to check out local ramen shops at the towns where he delivers used cars.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ramen-4.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Thanks to his years of experience with different kinds of ramen, the business owner developed an interest in salt, sardines and chicken bones in his additive-free broth.
He was included in the Michelin guide after a man in a suit who introduced himself as an official from the brand came into Yoshida’s small ramen place earlier this year.
Images screenshot via YouTube / 朝日新聞社
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