Ramen: A Japanese adaptation of Chinese noodle soups – the ultimate comfort food.
Ramens began in China and when Chinese immigrants traveled to Japan in the late 19th or early 20th century, the tradition of noodles in a soupy broth traveled with them. They spread all over Japan and ramen outdoor street stalls sprang up everywhere. In 1958 the instant noodle was invented which allowed consumers to make ramen in their homes. Now there are ramen shops and bars around the world. In Japan alone there are over 24,000 ramen shops, with over 5,000 in Tokyo alone.
My husband has been having various types of ramen noodles for lunch for years. When he began there were only the Nissin Foods grocery store instant versions sold in this country. Over the past couple of decades, with their popularity soaring, ramens have diversified and gone from being Japanese fast food, to an authentic food experience.
Here are some popular ramen varieties you can make at home. You will need to experiment to find your favorite flavors and level of spiciness:
Korea has become a popular producer of ramen, which the Koreans spell as Ramyun. Nongshim is considered to be the best Korean ramen. They come in vegan, beef, mushroom, chili, and many other flavors. $17.88 for a 12-pack. The soups come in cups, pouches, or bowls, so scroll down to find the options.
The Nongshim Shin Black with vegetables and beef is popular because it is a delicious combination of spicy broth, substantial vegetables, and noodles. The black noodles are a premium version of NongShim’s Shin Ramyun noodles. This is a 6-pack in a cup. $12.48
Oh! Ricey Instant Rice Noodles Pho Bo (Beef flavor) are instant pho noodles with thinly cut slivers of beef with dried scallions. $46.99 for a case of 24.
Sappora Ichiban Original Ramen Noodle Soup is a classic, salty, savory ramen with just enough ‘umami’ flavor. It’s not spicy but it is comforting and reliable. A pack of 6 is $30.15.
This was one reviewer’s favorite ramen. He claims that it is unbelievably flavorful, with tastes of lemongrass, ginger and lime, and the perfect amount of spice. A 6 pack is $18.53.
In one survey of ramens, this one ranked number 1. The reviewer proclaims the noodles are ‘spectacular’. He also loved the broth. It comes in ‘hot’ or ‘mild’. An 18-pack is $26.38.
Tapatio Ramen Noodle Bowl, Chicken flavor, stands out because of its seasonings, which leaves competitors in the dust. It had the best flavor of any of the ramen varieties sampled for one survey. A bulk case of 12 is $28.99.
Momofuku by David Chang is often mentioned in best ramen surveys. This is a variety pack of vegan instant noodles made with a delicious sauce of soy sauce, chili, and sesame oil. The noodles are air-dried, never fried. A 15 count (pack of 3) is $45.99.
Ichiran is a ramen chain that also sells ramen kits. Their popular pork bone broth is reviewed as being superior to any other instant noodles. The noodles are firm, and the seasoning is delicious. It is more expensive than other ramen noodles (about $10 a serving) but is said to be worth it. A three serving package is $29.00.
If this article has made you hungry for ramen, contact the Ramen Museum, a ramen meal kit delivery service which will deliver to your home.
