Because sushi robot or machines allowed anyone to make fairly good sushi with consistency, it contributed to the speed of growth in different countries. In case of ramen as well, ramen noodles machines were invented about years ago in Japan, and these technologies as well allowed anyone to consistently make good ramen noodles.
Then, they helped ramen cuisines spread all over the world. Noodle surfaces must be completely covered with soup stock so that when one bites into noodles, the noodles taste good with flavors of the soup. In order for this to happen, we need to have a highly concentrated white soup stock, which is base soup stock that may be cooked from different ingredients animal bones, fried seafood, vegetables, and even fruits, and others.
Because of high density of white soup stock, soup covers and stay on noodle surfaces so that one can taste the soup when eating noodles. To add tastes to soba stock, dry fish flakes that are thickly shredded are used. Base stock function is high density broth that serves as a foundation of ramen soup taste. And, it is made of the following base ingredients, soy sauce, sugar, mirin sweet sake , salt with the following ingredients typically infused into the base ingredients, seafood: dried marine products: shrimp, scallop, clam, sardine, mackerel, small sardines, etc.
This allows the noodles to be stretched slightly more easily, and it also imparts that unique texture. Alkalis like kansui, lye, and baking soda actually play a much larger role in food production than you may think. They give pretzels that dark brown shell, give corn tortillas that unique aroma and texture, are used in curing olives, and even give Oreo cookies their dark color and rich chocolatey flavor. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options.
Get the Insider App. Beer Much like people in the West love pizza and beer, in Japan ramen and cold beer are a perfect end to a hard working day. Plain Rice Many ramen shops offer a bowl of rice along with ramen with their lunch or dinner sets which might sound like carb overload with rice and noodles but is a popular choice among Japanese people.
Fried Rice Different kinds of fried rice are also available at most ramen shops as ramen originated from China and adding fried rice compliments to the Chinese ambiance. Chashu Don Along with the chashu that is already placed on the ramen , another option is to have chashu on a bed of rice as a side dish. The braised pork and rice combination is filling and delicious.
Depending on what part of Japan you visit, you will find that each area has its specialty and distinct ramen type. Some use different meats or vegetables in their stock, others have local ingredients and toppings, while some infuse different seasonings, broths, and toppings to create a totally new and fresh take on ramen altogether.
Here are just some of the few most famous regional ramen varieties. As mentioned previously, Tokyo ramen was one of the first ramens to come about after the introduction of ramen noodles to Japan from China. A shoyu-based ramen , the soup is clear and brown and the noodles are usually curly and thin.
A chicken soup base, popular toppings include nori, menma, egg, and sliced pork. In contrast, Sapporo ramen is a much more hearty and warming ramen most likely created to deal with the harsh winters of North Japan.
A miso-based ramen that is salty and rich also comes with a slab of butter, corn, sprouts and sometimes fresh seafood from Hokkaido making it a filling and loaded meal.
If you are looking for a lighter soup and are a fan of noodles then Kitakata ramen might be for you. Made from a shoyu base and chicken stock, pork bones and sardines, this clear thin soup is paired with thicker, chewier noodles and toppings of negi, menma and chashu. A tonkatsu based ramen , it is a thick and rich white soup with hard, straight noodles, that originated in Fukuoka but has become popular across Japan.
The milky cream soup dish is often topped with chashu, negi, wood ear mushrooms and beni shoga. Also called chuka soba , Wakayama ramen is also a tonkatsu -based ramen which has thin noodles but also mixes in a shoyu-base as well for added distinction.
Toppings are usually negi, menma, chashu and kamaboko, sliced processed fish. Ramen shops are usually pretty casual and made for quick order, eating and exiting.
Many people also eat ramen when they are on the go so you will find most ramen restaurants have a lot of counter space for single diners as well as tables.
Menus in ramen shops tend to have a lot fewer options than other restaurants as most people are there for the basic ramen , gyoza , and rice sets.
Before finding a seat you might want to check if there is a vending machine by the entrance. For convenience and efficiency, many ramen shops ask customers to order their specific orders in advance via a vending machine before finding a seat.
The staff takes the ticket and brings the order to you. Since payment is already taken care of, people can eat at their own pace and leave after eating without hassle. If there is no vending machine, a staff member will take your order, bring your order to you and after you eat you will bring the bill to the counter for payment like most restaurants in Japan. In terms of how to eat ramen , you will be provided with chopsticks and a Chinese style ladle looking spoon.
The spoon is used to eat the soup broth as well as toppings like eggs. The chopsticks are used for the noodles and most Japanese people will slurp their noodles loud and proud. This is said to be done for two reasons. First, by slurping the noodles, they can be cooled as they are placed in your mouth to avoid burns. And second, it is said that slurping noodles enhances the flavor of the ramen.
There are no steadfast rules about etiquette as ramen , in general, is known as quick, cheap and casual food. Picking up the bowl to slurp the soup is fine as well. Many restaurants also provide plastic bibs to avoid stains on clothing that may occur from the ramen soup when slurping.
Depending on the ramen shop, you might get asked a variety of questions about the ramen that you should keep in mind. For example, some ramen shops might ask you if you prefer a chicken or a pork-based broth or for spicy ramens the spice level you would like. Some shops also allow you to customize noodle thickness, firmness and amount. And of course, there are many toppings available that you may add to your order as you see fit.
Now that you have become well versed in ramen noodles, soups, sides, toppings, and regional varieties, you can travel to Japan and experience a variety of different ramens. Also, as newly appointed ramen connoisseur you will be able to order, customize and differentiate between the different types of ramen options you might find when heading into a ramen restaurant.
And a better understanding of ramen culture in Japan will no doubt give you a step above other tourists in Japan. You will be able to order and even prove your knowledge of ramen bringing you closer to Japanese people who adore and indulge in ramen. You will now be able to order your ramen and eat it too. Between visits to Karaoke and revolving sushi restaurants, he enjoys walking his dog, watching Japanese love dramas and teaching English.
You can also find him roaming the streets of Japan looking for the next big YouTube video trends. Kobusi Shinjukurokuchometen. Azabu Ramen Nishiazabuten. Azabu Ramen Azabujubanten. Top Tokyo Ramen!
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