Welcome to our guide on ramen, the beloved Japanese Food dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide! Ramen comes in many styles, each with its own unique broth, noodles, and toppings, making it a versatile and delicious meal.

What is ramen?

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish that features Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, typically made from meat, fish, or vegetables. The broth is often seasoned with soy sauce or miso, and it can vary in richness and flavor depending on the regional style.

Ramen is usually topped with a variety of ingredients, such as sliced pork (chashu), green onions, nori (seaweed), soft-boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots. There are many regional varieties of ramen in Japan, including Tonkotsu (pork bone broth), Shoyu (soy sauce-based), Miso (fermented soybean paste), and Shio (salt-based) ramen.

In addition to its delicious taste, ramen has become a popular dish worldwide, often enjoyed in restaurants or made at home with instant ramen packets, which come in a variety of flavors.

Type of ramen

Ramen comes in several delicious varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile and ingredients. Here are some of the most popular types:

1.Shoyu Ramen

Shoyu ramen is a popular type of Japanese ramen characterized by its soy sauce-based broth. The name “shoyu” means soy sauce in Japanese, and this broth is typically clear and brown, providing a savory, umami-rich flavor.

2.Shio Ramen

Shio ramen is a type of Japanese ramen characterized by its salt-based broth. The word “shio” means salt in Japanese, and this style is known for its light, clear, and often delicate flavor.

Taste: The broth has a light, refreshing quality, making it a great option for those who prefer a less rich and heavy ramen experience.

3.Miso Ramen

Made with miso paste, this broth is rich and hearty, often incorporating a variety of vegetables and toppings. It’s especially popular in Hokkaido.

Taste: Miso ramen is known for its hearty and comforting taste, with the miso adding a robust flavor that can vary based on the specific type of miso used.

4.Tonkotsu Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and creamy variety of Japanese ramen known for its hearty pork bone broth. The term “tonkotsu” translates to “pork bone,” and this style of ramen is characterized by its intense flavor and velvety texture.

Taste: The broth is rich and umami-packed, with a slightly salty flavor that enhances the overall experience. It can also be garnished with garlic oil or flavored oils for added depth.

5.Tsukemen

Tsukemen is a unique style of Japanese ramen known as “dipping noodles.” In this dish, the noodles are served separately from the broth, allowing diners to dip the noodles into a flavorful sauce before eating.

6.Curry Ramen

Curry ramen is a delicious fusion of two beloved Japanese dishes: ramen and curry. This variation features ramen noodles served in a rich, flavorful curry broth, combining the warming spices of Japanese curry with the texture and heartiness of ramen.

Taste: The dish is known for its hearty, comforting taste, with the aromatic spices of curry enhancing the overall flavor profile.

7.Yasai Ramen

Yasai ramen is a delightful variation of ramen that emphasizes vegetables, catering to those who prefer a lighter, plant-based option. The term “yasai” means “vegetable” in Japanese, reflecting the focus on fresh, seasonal produce in this dish.

Taste: The flavor profile is fresh and subtle, with the natural sweetness and umami of the vegetables coming through in the broth.

The best ramen in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has a vibrant ramen scene with several popular spots known for their delicious offerings. Here are some highly recommended places to enjoy ramen in the city:

1.Menya Musashi

This well-known chain from Japan serves rich, flavorful tonkotsu ramen with a variety of toppings. Their unique dipping noodles (tsukemen) are also a hit. Known for their tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, they also offer a variety of ramen styles, including tsukemen (dipping noodles).

2.Ramen Yushiro

Renowned for its homemade noodles and flavorful broths, Ramen Yushiro offers a variety of ramen styles, including shoyu and miso ramen. Known for its authentic Japanese ramen, offering a range of delicious flavors and fresh ingredients.

3.Ippudo

A famous international chain, Ippudo is known for its creamy tonkotsu ramen and a range of delicious appetizers.Ippudo is famous for its creamy tonkotsu ramen, which is rich and hearty. Their Akamaru Shinaji, featuring a special blend of miso and garlic oil. Their signature Akamaru Shinaji is a must-try.

4.Shoryu Ramen

Specializing in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, Shoryu offers a rich and hearty broth with a variety of toppings. Their menu also features unique seasonal dishes. In addition to classic ramen, Shoryu offers a range of other dishes, including gyoza (dumplings) and rice bowls, as well as limited-time specials.

5.Kizuna Ramen

This restaurant focuses on serving authentic Japanese ramen, with options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Their shio ramen is especially popular. Kizuna Ramen offers a selection of flavorful broths, including rich tonkotsu, savory shoyu, and lighter shio options, catering to different preferences.

Summary

Welcome to our guide on ramen, the cherished Japanese noodle dish that has won over food enthusiasts around the globe! Ramen features a variety of styles, each offering its own distinctive broth, noodles, and toppings, making it a diverse and delightful meal.