If you’ve been paying attention to social media or the evolution of restaurants in your town, you’ve probably noticed that Japanese ramen bowls have spread all over the place. They have quickly become a sought-after meal among foodies and casual diners alike. You’ve seen it in movies, TV shows, anime, and on your friends’ Instagram Stories! Once considered a simple bowl of noodles, ramen has now achieved its final form: a cultural phenomenon you need to try. Let’s dig a bit deeper into its history!
Get a Taste of Ramen’s History
Ramen consists of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish broth, with toppings that include sliced pork, dried seaweed, green onions, and ramen seasoning. But If you always thought it was a Japanese dish, you got it half right!
It is believed that ramen was originally born in China and then landed on Japanese lands around the 19th century, brought by Chinese immigrants. Its first name wasn’t even ramen, but shina soba (Chinese noodles).
Ramen evolved during the 20th century until it became a more sophisticated dish. Did you know It was the most popular meal among Japanese soldiers stationed in China during WWII? After their return to Japan, these soldiers opened many small ramen shops, introducing the dish to a broader audience. Since then, each region of Japan has developed its own complex and flavorful varieties. Sapporo, Hakata, Kumamoto. It even expanded to other countries in East Asia, like South Korea. As you can see, there are endless possibilities for Japanese ramen noodles!
From Anime to Instagram: The Rise of Ramen in Pop Culture
From anime to movies, TV shows… and even songs! Ramen has earned its place in Western popular culture in recent years, right beside other iconic meals like pizza or hamburgers.
The 2008 movie “Ramen Girl,” starring Brittany Murphy, follows a young girl’s journey to Japan, where she learns two very important things: to love and prepare ramen. The movie became a success and introduced the mouth-watering sight of ramen to thousands of people across the world.
Ramen has also been the subject of many songs; check out “Ramen Noodle Soup” by Vibe Street or “Ramen King” by Banvox!
But the credit for the ramen craze definitely goes to the worldwide Anime phenomenon “Naruto.” The main protagonist, Naruto, is often seen devouring steaming bowls of ramen in his favorite restaurant, Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto and other anime ramen’s drool-worthy visuals made everyone want to desperately try this delicious noodle soup. Someone give a raise to the animators!
If Anime visuals helped ramen become such a desired meal, social media platforms like Instagram have also paved the way for ramen to become such a popular dish. Hashtags like #ramenlover or #ramenporn show thousands of results. Raise your hand if you, too, were once jealous of that friend slurping up a succulent bowl of ramen on their Instagram or Facebook!
There Is a Ramen Bowl for Everyone!
Ramen’s versatility has played a significant role in its rise to popularity as a beloved meal. There are lots of varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and ramen seasoning. These are some of the best ramen bowls you can come across, but the list could go on forever!
Shoyu Ramen is one of the most popular ramen bowls. It is a simple yet delicious option made with soy sauce-based broth. The broth is usually topped with slices of pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots, and the noodles are typically thin and curly.
You might have also heard about Miso Ramen. This one is famous for its special savory kick, a result of using miso paste. This ramen is usually topped with bean sprouts, corn, and slices of pork, and the noodles are usually thick and chewy.
And if you’re in need of some heat, Spicy Ramen is your perfect match! It can be made with different broths, but the key ingredient is always some spicy peppers. The level of spice can vary depending on the recipe, but it will surely pack a punch!
These are some of the most popular ramen varieties, but there’s definitely a bowl for everyone’s taste! So next time you think of ordering one, why not try something new?
How to Get the Perfect Ramen!
The ramen tide has made traditional ramen accessible to almost everyone. Whether you’re feeling like a night out, traveling to Asia, or having a cozy night at home, there are plenty of options to enjoy a hot, steaming bowl of Japanese ramen.
There are many different types of ramen restaurants, ranging from small mom-and-pop shops to high-end restaurants with Michelin stars. Of course, you could also travel to East Asia if you’re feeling adventurous!
But being this a cozy dish that’s perfect for fine pajama dining, one of the best ways to enjoy it is definitely sitting on your couch! If you’re looking for an easy and comforting way to try ramen without leaving your home, you must try out a ramen subscription box! Products like My Ramen Box will have you preparing and tasting authentic, high-quality traditional ramen in no time! The perfect way to try out different ramen spices, noodles & toppings with no skills needed.
Now that you’ve learned more about ramen, it’s time to get those chopstick skills on point!
