Learn More About Ramen

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.

If you’re a ramen lover like me, visiting the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is like stepping into noodle heaven. But beyond the nostalgic streets and delicious bowls, the museum is packed with fascinating info about the history, science, and craftsmanship behind Japan’s most beloved comfort food.

If you’ve ever made fresh ramen noodles from scratch, you know that kneading the dough is no joke. Unlike pasta dough, ramen dough is stiff, dry, and a serious arm workout—all thanks to kansui (alkaline water), which gives the noodles their signature chewy texture. But did you know there’s a centuries-old Japanese technique that makes kneading easier while improving the texture?

When you think about cooking ramen from scratch, it probably sounds like a huge undertaking—something best left to professional chefs with fancy kitchen setups. And while that’s true for certain types like Tonkotsu Ramen, which requires boiling pork bones for hours to get that rich, creamy broth, other types are actually pretty doable at home!

During my trip to Shinshu, Japan, I had the chance to visit Ishii Miso Factory, and let me tell you—it completely changed the way I think about miso. I always knew miso was a staple in Japanese cooking, but I never realized just how much time, skill, and tradition go into making the really good stuff.