It’s been a major news cycle for Japanese upstarts and underdogs. To Scotland’s chagrin, Japanese whiskey Yamazaki Single Malt was just named the best whiskey in the world. And at the prestigious Tokyo Ramen Show, the Best Newcomer category was won by a salaryman and amateur chef, Mr. Takeo Kanda. His winning dish was this tuna-based Sea Chicken Ramen.
鮪と鶏を使ったシー・チキンラーメンのブラッシュアップ版。なかなかうまくいきまへん。 pic.twitter.com/0TeGzEv3Uu
— 神田武郎 (@takeakidaaa) October 19, 2014
Even more unorthodox, the modest food blogger refused to accept the 500,000 yen ($4,500) cash prize, reports Rocketnews24.
たけあきさん優勝おめでとう! pic.twitter.com/gzPjdEiutz
— mer (@megfish60) November 1, 2014
According to Rocketnews24, one of the judges lamented his decision, saying “I wish he would accept the prize money. I also wish that he would open his own restaurant, but what can you do?”
It is a shame that the world will not have a chance to taste his award-winning broth, but it’s hard not to respect the ridiculously likeable Man of the People’s decision. Dude just wants to come home from work, make amazing ramen and post it on the internet. He’s basically the Clark Kent/Superman of soup noodles, as illustrated in this awesome graphic from his food blog.
[via Rocketnews24]
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