Guides

When it comes to ramen, most of us obsess over the broth, toppings, and noodles—but what about the bowl? At The Art of Ramen Bowls exhibition in Tokyo, I learned that the humble donburi is more than just a container. From the curve of its lip to the weight in your hands, every detail is deliberately designed to enhance aroma, retain heat, and elevate the way you experience each slurp.

Ever wondered how ramen noodles are made on a large scale? I had the chance to go behind the scenes at Marutaka Seimen, a ramen noodle factory in Yokohama, where I got a hands-on look at the process. I learned the foundations of noodle making, and trust me, it’s a lot more fascinating than I thought.

If you’re a ramen nerd like me, you’ve probably heard of Tsuta Ramen Tokyo—the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant. On my recent trip to Tokyo, I signed up for their exclusive ramen kitchen tour, and let me tell you, it was one slurp-worthy experience. From the way they layer umami to the noodle room that felt more like a lab, this tour gave me a whole new appreciation for the craft behind world-class Japanese ramen.