23 Delicious Ramen Facts That Might Make Your Mouth Water

Ramen is one of the most satisfying comfort foods.

They are inexpensive, easy to make, and mouth-watering. The instant ramen noodles can be made in less than five minutes by simply adding boiling water and the seasoning packet to the cup.

In this fast-paced life, instant noodles have gained wild popularity. All thanks to its taste, ease of preparation, interesting packaging, marketing, and availability across the globe. Available in a vast range of flavors, it is mostly served in a meat broth, flavored with miso or soy sauce, and garnished with different toppings.

Did you know that instant ramen noodles can be used in space as well? Soichi Noguchi, the Japanese astronaut, had the honor of eating ramen noodles while onboard the Discovery space shuttle.

History And Post-War Popularization

Ramen is an extremely popular Asian dish. Here is a look into the history of these popular noodles:

The word ‘ramen’ is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word ‘lo mein’ which means ‘Chinese noodles’. 

Most people believe that ramen was first invented in Japan in the 20th century. Some people also believe that these noodles were introduced by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century.

Ramen was invented by Momofuku Ando, the owner of Nissan Foods in Japan in the '50s. At that time, the company launched this incredible product under the name Chikin Ramen to feed people during the uncertain times of World War II and eliminate food shortages.

Did you know that thousands of vendors were arrested for selling ramen after the war?

Around 1970, instant ramen noodles were introduced to the market.

Momofuku Ando invented the first vacuum-sealed package. This package contained smaller noodles with thicker broth so that it could be easily enjoyed by anyone and in all conditions, even in zero gravity.

Soichi Noguchi, a famous Japanese astronaut, was the first to try these instant noodles that could also be enjoyed in space.

Types And Regional Variation

It is among the most popular Japanese foods eaten by people across the globe. There are many different flavors and regional varieties of this meal.

There are five types of ramen that are the most popular among people. These include tonkotsu, miso, shoyu, tsukemen, and shio.

There are a few toppings that can really enhance the flavor profile of these wheat noodles, such as fermented bamboo shoots, green onion, chashu, nori, naruto, boiled eggs, wakame, corn, soy sauce, and umeboshi.

There are 14 regional varieties, depending on their star ingredient and the part of the country they originate from.

These 14 varieties are called Sapparo Miso, Wakayama, Hakata, Tsukemen, Abura Soba, Asahikawa, Hakodate, Kitakata, Sapporo, Kurume, Okinawa Soba, Kagoshima, Ganja, and Tokyo-style.

Instant Ramen

Here are some cool facts about instant ramen:

The Japanese investor spent one full year researching recipes. He finally came up with the idea of instant ramen on August 25, 1958.

The cup noodles were later invented in 1971.

The longest instant ramen measured 167 ft (50 m) which is equal to the length of two basketball courts.

In Japan, it was much cheaper to buy udon fresh noodles as compared to instant ramen noodles. Thus, the latter was considered better as they also had a longer shelf life.

Today, there are more than 35,000 ramen restaurants in Japan.

Ramen In Popular Culture: Movies, Museums, And Emojis

Here are some more interesting facts about these noodles.

There is a cup of noodles museum in Osaka, Japan to show the history of this delicious food. It demonstrates everything from how the inventor came up with this idea to the different ramen dishes in the world.

Next to the museum, there is a factory that is open to visitors. They can visit and experiment with their own unique concoctions of the ramen dish.

There is also an interactive theater in Japan that is constructed in the shape of cup noodles.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is the world's first and one-of-its-kind food-themed amusement park.

It has nine ramen eating joints and several ramen-related stores for tourists to enjoy.

FAQs

Who first made ramen?

As per records published by the Yokohama Ramen Museum, the noodles originated in China. An essential part of Chinese cuisine, noodles found their way to Japan in 1859. However, some also believe that they were invented by Momofuku Ando, the owner of Nissan Foods in Japan in 1958.

Why is ramen so unhealthy?

These noodles are considered unhealthy because they contain an additive known as Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone. These noodles are very high in calories, sodium content, and saturated fat, which may affect your heart.

Where was ramen invented first?

The exact origin of this dish is not confirmed. While some say it originated in China, others claim it was invented in Japan in the 20th century.

Who first made ramen?

Momofuku Ando, the owner of Nissan Foods in Japan, is believed to have made the first ramen.

Why is it called ramen?

According to the Merriam dictionary, the Japanese word for noodles is 'men'. And 'Ra' is the name of this specific type of noodle. Thus, it is called ramen.

What country eats the most ramen?

China marks the highest consumption of these noodles in the world.

Why is ramen so popular?

It is a form of fast food that is easy to cook, economical, and extremely delicious. It takes less than five minutes to cook, that's why it is so popular.

What does ramen stand for?

One theory states that ramen is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word ‘lo-mein’ which means hand-pulled noodles.

Do ramen noodles expire?

These noodles have a long shelf life. They are even safe for consumption up until three months past their expiry date.