There Will Be Ramen

Ramen fans can savor Mitsuwa Marketplace's Hokkaido Fair in Costa Mesa on Thursday through Sunday. In case you didn't know, Mitsuwa is a bustling food emporium and Japanese department store in Costa Mesa, and it’s the largest Japanese supermarket in the country. During the fair, it will be focusing on the culinary riches from the northern region of Hokkaido, best known for its ramen. Mitsuwa will be selling ramen from Ezo Fukuro, considered a pioneer in the noodle world, and the ultimate in steaming, brothy goodness.

There will also be plenty of abeshoten ikameshi, which are lunch boxes of seasonal or local ingredients, usually sold at train stations in Japan. Also back by popular demand this month is Ika Meshi of Abe Shoten, the popular squid stuffed with sweet rice and simmered in their secret sauce. And Rakkyo will debut at the Hokkaido Fair with soup curry; tomatoes are simmered with chicken, pork bones, dried bonito and spices to create a rich soup.

Mitsuwa is at 665 Paularino Ave. in Costa Mesa. 714.557.6699.