Ramen, the popular Japanese noodle dish, has gained global success, with its popularity surging in the U.S., South Korea, and other countries. In the United States, retail sales of ramen have risen by 72% since 2000, reaching over $1.6 billion in sales. Restaurants are now offering innovative versions of ramen beyond the traditional soup, such as Shredded Beef Birria Ramen at Del Taco. Packaged ramen, known as instant noodles, was invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958 and has become a staple in many households.
Despite the popularity of ramen, ramen shops in Japan have struggled due to the pandemic, weakening Japanese yen, and higher costs of wheat imports and energy. However, the pandemic has also led to the rise of home delivery services for frozen, professionally cooked ramen. Companies like takumen.com and Gourmet Innovation have capitalized on this trend by offering packaged versions of ramen from top ramen joints to be enjoyed at home. Co-founder Kenichi Nomaguchi believes ramen is difficult to replicate at home, making it a successful export for Japan alongside animation.
Ramen offers a wide variety of options, from different soup stocks and flavors to a range of toppings like bean sprouts, barbecued pork, boiled or raw eggs, and more. Unusual varieties of ramen include coffee ramen and ramen topped with ice cream or pineapple. Jiro-style ramen, named after a legendary restaurant in Tokyo, features large portions of vegetable toppings and barbecued pork in a pork-based stock. Kota Kobayashi, a former professional baseball player turned ramen businessman, believes that good ramen should not only taste delicious but also provide entertainment to customers.
The ramen experience is an essential part of Japanese culture, with many locals frequenting ramen shops multiple times a week. Frank Striegl, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, provides tourists with the ultimate ramen experience in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, introducing them to various types of ramen from different regions of Japan. Participants of the tour enjoy the cultural and culinary experience of trying different kinds of ramen bowls, each offering a unique and flavorful taste. Ramen is often considered a comfort food, especially during the winter months, and is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
Overall, ramen continues to be a beloved dish both in Japan and globally, with its unique flavors, diverse options, and cultural significance. While ramen shops face challenges, the love for this iconic noodle dish remains strong, offering a comforting and satisfying meal to people from all walks of life. From traditional soup-based ramen to innovative variations, ramen continues to evolve and capture the hearts and taste buds of those who enjoy this flavorful and hearty meal.
