Equipment and utensils

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Published 2018

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Making ramen requires very little specialist kit and no tricksy kitchen skills, which is perhaps why the dish has become such a hit all over the world. So long as you have a chopping board, a decent knife and a pan, you can make basic ramen, although having a few other pieces of equipment will certainly enable you to produce a greater range of dishes.

How to eat ramen like a pro

There’s no pretty, or quiet, way to eat ramen. Indeed, in Japan slurping is regarded as polite since it shows the chef that you are enjoying the food. Speed is of the essence for aficionados, since the noodles continue to swell in the broth and could cause a very full bowl to overflow. The first step before you dive in, however, is to appreciate the aroma and appearance of the dish – a gustatory prelude that will whet the appetite. Next, pick up some noodles using your chopsticks and bring them to your mouth, slurping the broth as you go. Only then should you try the toppings in different combinations with the noodles, aiming, if you are a true pro, to eat the lot in 5 minutes flat. The broth can then be drunk directly from the bowl or, for the more genteel diner, spooned into the mouth. Now wipe your chin...