Ramen - (ラーメン)

What Exactly is Ramen (ラーメン)?

Ramen is a beloved dish enjoyed all across Japan—and chances are, if you watch anime, you’ve seen it plenty of times too! (Especially in Naruto, where it’s his absolute favorite meal!)

So, what exactly is ramen?

Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish made with Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a rich meat or fish-based broth. It's typically flavored with soy sauce or miso and topped with delicious ingredients like sliced pork (叉焼 chāshū), nori (dried seaweed), menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and scallions.

One of the coolest things about ramen (ラーメン) is how it varies from region to region in Japan—each area puts its own spin on it! For example, in Kyushu, you’ll find Tonkotsu Ramen made with a creamy pork bone broth, while Hokkaido is famous for its savory Miso Ramen.

Is There A History Behind Them?

Did you know the word ramen is actually the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word lamian?

The delicious dish we now know and love started gaining attention in Japan back in 1910, when a Chinese restaurant serving ramen earned public praise. At that time, ramen was commonly referred to as Shina Soba, which means “Chinese soba.” It wasn’t until after the 1950s that the term ramen or Chūka soba became more widely used.

Ramen (ラーメン) is essentially a Japanese take on Chinese wheat noodles. One story says it was first introduced to Japan in the 1600s by a man named Zhu Shun Shui. Another theory suggests it arrived later, in the late 19th or early 20th century, brought over by Chinese immigrants.

According to the Yokohama Ramen Museum, however, ramen made its way from China to Japan in 1859. The earliest versions featured wheat noodles in broth, topped with Chinese-style roasted pork—simple, but so satisfying!

By the early 1900s, restaurants from Canton and Shanghai were serving ramen with just a few toppings, pork bone-based broth, and lots of flavor. Around the same time, Chinese vendors in Japan were selling ramen and gyōza from mobile food stalls.

During the early Shōwa period, ramen quickly became a go-to comfort food when dining out. And get this—according to ramen expert Hiroshi Osaki, Japan’s very first ramen shop opened in Yokohama in 1910!

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Japanese Ramen?

Here’s the thing—while ramen (ラーメン) is an incredibly popular comfort food in Japan, it’s not exactly considered a healthy dish. That said, some of the ingredients used do offer great nutritional benefits!

The biggest health concern when it comes to ramen is the broth. Whether it’s miso, soy sauce, or salt-based, ramen broth tends to be high in sodium. In Japan, it’s common to sip a little of the broth for flavor, but most people avoid finishing all of it—and that’s actually recommended.

On the plus side, ramen noodles are usually handmade. That means they’re fresh, preservative-free, and healthier than the packaged variety you’d find in instant ramen.

Another bonus? The colorful mix of vegetables! You’ll often find toppings like seaweed, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, leeks, scallions, and other leafy greens—all packed with nutrients and full of freshness.

Add in slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, or even fish cakes, and you’ve got yourself a nice dose of protein to round out the bowl.

There are actually a lot of health perks hidden in ramen’s toppings—so I thought I’d share a few of them with you below!

Seaweed :-

Contains Iodine and Tyrosine

Good source of Vitamins and Minerals

Contains a variety of Protective Antioxidants

Provides Fiber and Polysaccharides

Helps you lose weight

Reduces Heart Disease risk

Reduces risk of Diabetes

Bean Sprouts :-

Reduces Anxiety caused by stress

Helps maintains Good Eyes

Supports the Immune System

Reduces risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Helps build strong bones

Bamboo Shoots :-

Promotes healthy weight loss

Balanced cholesterol levels

Boosted immune system

Help fight cancer

Contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber

Leeks :-

Low in sodium

No saturated fats and cholesterol

Contains Dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, vitamins A, C, K

Scallions :-

Helps with weight loss

Contains Vitamin K

Boost Immunity

Enhances Heart Health

Improves Bone Health

May block Cancer growth

Green Vegetables :-

Contains vitamins, minerals, and fibers

Low in calories

Reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental decline

Here Is A Quick And Easy Recipe For You To Try It Out At Home!

Our recipe shoutout goes to BBC Good Food! If you would like to give their recipe a try, Click Here!

Dōzo omeshiagarikudasai!! (enjoy your meal!)