Japan and Its Noodles: The History of Ramen

Ramen is a very popular Japanese culinary specialty, consisting of wheat noodles cooked in a meat or fish broth, and accompanied by vegetables, meat or shrimp, and marinated eggs. Their origin dates back to the 19th century, when Chinese noodles were introduced to Japan. Since then, ramen has undergone rapid evolution and adaptation into Japanese cuisine, with new and regional variations of ramen being created across the country.

The Japanese have a real passion for ramen, and they are willing to wait long hours to be seated at the most popular restaurants.

The History of Ramen

Ramen became very popular in Japan during the second half of the 20th century, but its origins date back to the time of the Tang dynasty in China, where it was known as "lāmiàn". Ramen was introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century, and it quickly gained popularity thanks to its tasty taste and low cost.

Over time, ramen has undergone many evolutions and variations depending on the regions of Japan where it is served. For example, in the Kyushu region, ramen is often served with a thick, spicy pork broth called "tonkotsu", while in the Sapporo region, ramen is often served with a fish and vegetable broth and is topped with sour cream and chopped green onions. In the Yokohama region, ramen is often served with chicken and vegetable broth and is topped with char siu, or grilled pork, and marinated egg.

Today, ramen is considered a national dish in Japan and is enjoyed by people of all ages. They are served at many restaurants specializing in ramen, as well as retail stores and fast food establishments. In addition to its variety of flavors and styles, ramen is also known for its convenience and inexpensiveness, making it a popular choice for those on a hurry or on a budget.

The different types of Ramen

There are many types of ramen in Japan, each with their own characteristics and ingredients. Here are some examples of popular types of ramen:

Shoyu ramen: This type of ramen is prepared with chicken or pork broth and is seasoned with shoyu, or soy sauce. It is often topped with thin noodles, char siu, dried nori sheets and chopped chives.

Miso ramen: This type of ramen is prepared with chicken or pork broth and is seasoned with miso, a fermented soy paste. It is often topped with thick noodles, char siu, dried nori sheets and chopped chives.

Tonkotsu ramen: This type of ramen is prepared with a thick and spicy pork broth called "tonkotsu". It is often topped with thick noodles, char siu, dried nori sheets and chopped chives.

Shio ramen: This type of ramen is prepared with chicken or fish broth and is seasoned with shio, or salt. It is often topped with thin noodles, char siu, dried nori sheets and chopped chives.

Tantanmen: this type of ramen is inspired by Chinese cuisine and is prepared with a spicy chicken or pork broth and seasoned with tantan-men, a spicy sauce made from sesame paste. It is often topped with thick noodles, char siu, bok choy and chopped chives.

There are many other types of ramen, each with their own characteristics and ingredients, but these examples give an idea of the diversity of options available.

How to eat your Ramen correctly?

There are some rules of etiquette and customs to respect when eating ramen in Japan. Here are some tips for eating ramen properly:

• Eat quickly: Ramen is usually served hot and should be eaten quickly in order to get the most of its flavor and texture. If you take too long to eat, the noodles may become soggy and the broth may lose its flavor.

• Use the chopsticks: Ramen is usually served with chopsticks, which are used to grip the noodles and lift them to the mouth. You can also use the chopsticks to push the noodles into the broth for dipping and reheating.

• You can make noise, but you don't have to! We often see Japanese people sucking their noodles noisily. It's actually a technique to eat faster by cooling the noodles. If you can do without it, it's not a problem at all.

• Don't leave food in your bowl: It's important to finish all the food in your bowl of ramen to show your appreciation for the meal. If you cannot finish your bowl, you can ask for a smaller portion.

• It is also common to drink the broth left in the bowl after the noodles and other ingredients have been eaten. This also shows your appreciation for the meal and allows you to enjoy all the tastes and flavors of the ramen.

The best Ramen places in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the best places in the world to enjoy ramen, with many specialty restaurants offering a wide variety of flavors and styles. Here are some tips for eating ramen in Tokyo:

• Visit the Ramen Street area in the basement of Tokyo Station shopping mall: this area is home to eight renowned ramen restaurants offering different flavors of ramen from all over Japan. This is a great place to experience the different styles of ramen in one visit.

• Try street ramen in the Shinjuku and Shibuya areas: these areas are known for their vibrant nightlife and have many street ramen stalls where you can enjoy takeaway ramen at reasonable prices (from 5 euros !!).

• Attend the annual Tokyo Ramen Festa event: This annual event highlights the city's best ramen restaurants and gives attendees the opportunity to taste ramen from different regions of Japan.

• Visit a high-quality ramen restaurant: Tokyo is home to many high-quality ramen restaurants offering higher quality ramen at higher prices. If you're willing to spend a little more for a luxury ramen experience, these restaurants are worth checking out. For example, you can find ramen with foie gras!

There are many other options for eating ramen in Tokyo, and it's recommended to ask local residents or restaurant workers for advice on the best places. Don't hesitate to explore different neighborhoods and try new flavors to discover the best ramen in the city.