Ramen

Dish information

Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup that has garnered international fame. While quintessentially Japanese today, its origins trace back to Chinese noodle dishes introduced to Japan. The exact timeline is debated, but it's generally accepted that Chinese-style noodles gained prominence in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early forms were often called 'shina soba' (Chinese soba). After World War II, a resilient Japan saw a surge in ramen stalls, fueled by available wheat flour and returning soldiers who had experienced Chinese cuisine. Its affordability and heartiness made it a staple for the working class. Modern ramen culture is incredibly diverse, with regional variations, each boasting a unique broth base—shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), Miso, and Tonkotsu (pork bone) being the most common—and specific toppings. Fukuoka is famous for its rich Tonkotsu ramen, Hokkaido for its miso ramen, and Tokyo for its shoyu-based varieties. Notable personalities in the ramen world include figures like Kazuo Yamagishi, often credited as the 'God of Ramen' and founder of Taishoken, who popularized tsukemen (dipping ramen). Ramen is not just food; it's a cultural phenomenon, with ramen museums, anime dedicated to it, and a passionate community of 'ramen geeks' or 'ramen otaku' exploring its endless permutations. It symbolizes comfort, warmth, and culinary craftsmanship in Japanese society, reflecting a deep appreciation for umami and texture.

Timeline

• 1884

  First recorded ramen shop, Rai-Rai Ken, opens in Tokyo, serving Chinese noodles.

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  1945

  Post-WWII, ramen's popularity surges due to availability of wheat and food shortages.

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  1958

  Momofuku Ando invents instant ramen, significantly expanding its reach globally.

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  1960

  Terms like 'ramen' (derived from Chinese 'lamian') become more widely accepted over 'shina soba'.

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  1984-01-01

  A ramen boom begins in Japan, leading to diverse regional styles and specialized shops.

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  1994

  Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum opens, showcasing the history and regional varieties of ramen.