Ramen

The small noodle packets commonly referred to as instant noodles are actually a budget version of the Japanese noodle dish known as ramen. In Japan, these are termed “instant ramen.” Originating from the Chinese noodle dish lamian, ramen is a relatively young dish, with just over a century of history. Throughout its existence, countless variations have emerged, and it continues to be a dish subject to much experimentation.

A bowl of ramen is typically made up of five components: broth, noodles, tare, oil, and toppings. Each of these elements can vary in many ways, which explains why ramen restaurants the world around offer dishes with such distinct flair and unique character—a fact that exhilarates me each time I visit a new ramen establishment. In this chapter, I will provide insights into how each of the five components of ramen can be constructed, and share some of my favorite recipes.