A beloved Japanese food, ramen has spread worldwide but its origins are still somewhat obscure. Even within Japan, there are many different kinds of ramen as well as noodle variations such as tsukemen and mazesoba that use the same noodles and soup base but with distinct flavors and toppings.
The history of ramen starts with the arrival of Chinese immigrants in Japan during the Meiji Era (1869-1912). These newcomers brought noodle dish recipes from home which chefs adjusted to suit local tastes. These adjustments eventually gave birth to ramen as we know it today.
As ramen grew in popularity, it became more common for restaurants to offer both fresh and instant varieties. The fresh variety requires boiling of the noodles and preparation of the soup base while the instant noodles are ready to eat as-is. The latter also tend to be cheaper as they don’t require the same amount of labor and ingredients as the fresh version.
In modern times, ramen is a staple in most cities and towns across Japan as well as in many parts of the world. While there are numerous regional specialties, most ramen shops offer the same basic ingredients including thin curly noodles (kansui) served in a light flavored broth such as shoyu, tonkotsu or miso topped with chashu, boiled spinach and sheets of nori.
A key ingredient is a flavoring called tare which is added to the broth. It can be as simple as shoyu, but usually tare is made from a combination of several ingredients including kombu, shiitake, mirin and sometimes sugar or even bonito. The tare serves to enhance the broth’s umami, adding depth of flavor and aroma while adjusting its consistency.
Some shops also serve a selection of side dishes in addition to the ramen. Gyoza, the popular Chinese-style dumplings are a standard offering as are a choice of condiments including rayu (hot chili oil), soy sauce and vinegar. It is traditional to slurp a bowl of ramen and eat the accompanying toppings with chopsticks.
While ramen is often thought to be a one dish meal, it can easily be paired with an assortment of drinks including beer or sake. Most ramen-ya sell bottles of ice cold beer for the customer to enjoy with their bowl.
While ramen is easy to make at home with packaged dried noodle kits, it is much more enjoyable and satisfying when enjoyed in a restaurant. Visiting a ramen shop is an excellent way to enjoy a unique experience and sample the varied flavors of the local area. While there are many ramen chains throughout the country and abroad, each offers a distinct experience and menu. For the best tasting ramen, try to visit a local shop and support their business. This will enable them to continue offering the best quality ramen and a wide selection of local side dishes. Ramen is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. It’s the perfect cure for hangovers and will make you feel better about yourself in no time.