Although ramen is now a quintessential Japanese dish, its roots can be traced back to Chinese noodles. Ramen made its way to Japan in the 19th century, evolving into a unique culinary sensation. ¹⁾

Japan boasts diverse regional ramen styles. Popular varieties include Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen from Tokyo, Shio (salt) ramen from Hakodate, Miso ramen from Sapporo, and Tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen from Hakata. ²⁾

There's a dedicated Ramen Museum in Yokohama, Japan, called the Shinyokohama Raumen Museum. It features a recreation of Tokyo in the 1950s and offers visitors the chance to sample ramen from various regions. ³⁾

Ramen noodles come in different shapes and sizes. Thin noodles are common in Shoyu and Shio ramen, while thicker, chewier noodles are often used in Miso and Tonkotsu ramen. ⁴⁾

Ramen can be customized with a variety of toppings. Common additions include chashu (sliced pork), menma (fermented bamboo shoots), nori (seaweed), narutomaki (fish cake), green onions, and a seasoned boiled egg. ⁵⁾

Instant ramen was invented by Momofuku Ando, who founded Nissin Food Products. In 1958, he introduced Chicken Ramen, the world's first instant ramen, paving the way for the convenience food revolution. ⁶⁾

Ando's later creation, Cup Noodles, debuted in 1971. This revolutionary packaging allowed consumers to enjoy instant ramen by simply adding hot water to the cup. ⁷⁾

The ramen burger gained popularity in recent years. Instead of traditional buns, the burger features ramen noodle “buns.” This fusion dish adds a unique twist to classic flavors. ⁸⁾

To slurp noodles more efficiently, a specialized ramen fork was designed with a unique structure that helps gather noodles for a satisfying slurping experience. ⁹⁾

Slurping noodles is encouraged in Japanese culture. Not only does it enhance flavor by incorporating air, but it's also a sign of appreciation for the chef's efforts. ¹⁰⁾

Some ramen shops offer eating challenges, challenging customers to finish enormous bowls of ramen within a specific time frame. These challenges often feature super-spicy broths or exceptionally large portions. ¹¹⁾

Instant ramen has even made its way into space. In 2005, astronaut Soichi Noguchi enjoyed instant ramen on the International Space Station, showcasing its universal appeal. ¹²⁾

Ramen competitions, known as “ramen contests,” are held in various locations globally. Talented chefs compete to create the most exceptional and innovative ramen dishes. ¹³⁾

In Japan, there's an onsen (hot spring) spa that offers a ramen bath experience. It involves bathing in a broth-like mixture of pork-based ingredients believed to have skin benefits. ¹⁴⁾

Ramen Jiro is a famous and controversial style known for its massive portions and unconventional toppings. These bowls often include extra garlic, pork fat, and vegetables, creating a hearty and robust meal. ¹⁵⁾