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When you think about what you want to eat in Japan nowadays, it's definitely "ramen."
What's astonishing is the variety of soup flavors! Soy sauce, miso, salt... there are so many options, and it's truly impressive!
"I was amazed by the variety of flavors, especially the seafood-based ramen. In Italy, we have a lot of seafood-based dishes, so it felt familiar." (Italian / 30s / Female)
"There are so many different types of ramen, it's always a surprise. I personally love tonkotsu." (Indian / 20s / Male)
"Even in Malaysia, we have ramen shops, but Japan has a greater number and variety of them. And they're delicious!" (Malaysian / 30s / Male)
Not only are there many types of soup, but there are also various types of noodles, and it's surprising that you can even choose the firmness of the noodles! Moreover, there are plenty of toppings like chashu and menma, and each flavor is highly satisfying.
"I was amazed by the variety of flavors, especially the seafood-based ramen. In Italy, we have a lot of seafood-based dishes, so it felt familiar." (Italian / 30s / Female)
"There are so many different types of ramen, it's always a surprise. I personally love tonkotsu." (Indian / 20s / Male)
"Even in Malaysia, we have ramen shops, but Japan has a greater number and variety of them. And they're delicious!" (Malaysian / 30s / Male)
Not only are there many types of soup, but there are also various types of noodles, and it's surprising that you can even choose the firmness of the noodles! Moreover, there are plenty of toppings like chashu and menma, and each flavor is highly satisfying.
How do you order? The Ticket System is surprising.
Many people are shocked by the common "ticket system" in Japanese ramen restaurants.
"In Bangkok, our capital city, there are almost no places with a ticket system, so when I first came to Japan, I was amazed. But I didn't know how to buy the tickets, so I had to ask the staff." (Thai / 20s / Female)
"Since it's mostly written in Japanese, it's a bit challenging to read. In the end, I often had to call a staff member to ask questions." (American / 40s / Female)
While the ticket system is convenient for Japanese people since you don't need to place orders one by one, there are still relatively few places that provide foreign language assistance on ticket machines. So, it's best to ask the staff if you're unsure. We can only hope for wider adoption of foreign language labeling.
"In Bangkok, our capital city, there are almost no places with a ticket system, so when I first came to Japan, I was amazed. But I didn't know how to buy the tickets, so I had to ask the staff." (Thai / 20s / Female)
"Since it's mostly written in Japanese, it's a bit challenging to read. In the end, I often had to call a staff member to ask questions." (American / 40s / Female)
While the ticket system is convenient for Japanese people since you don't need to place orders one by one, there are still relatively few places that provide foreign language assistance on ticket machines. So, it's best to ask the staff if you're unsure. We can only hope for wider adoption of foreign language labeling.
High in calories and low on vegetables... Is ramen unhealthy?
While people acknowledge the deliciousness of ramen, there are concerns about its healthiness.
"The first time I had it, I was surprised by how salty it was. I secretly added some water to my glass (laughs). Japanese cuisine is often seen as healthy, so why is ramen so salty?" (Spanish / 20s / Male)
"There are hardly any vegetables in it, but there's a lot of meat and eggs! In Vietnam, noodle dishes like pho usually come with a large serving of vegetables, so I wonder how ramen lovers get their vegetable intake." (Vietnamese / 20s / Female)
"It's high in calories, so I try to avoid ramen, even though it's delicious." (French / 30s / Male)
There are various ramen options with a focus on vegetables, and it would be great to introduce them to those concerned about the lack of veggies. However, some people can't resist the deliciousness of ramen, even though they're conscious of the high calorie content.
"The first time I had it, I was surprised by how salty it was. I secretly added some water to my glass (laughs). Japanese cuisine is often seen as healthy, so why is ramen so salty?" (Spanish / 20s / Male)
"There are hardly any vegetables in it, but there's a lot of meat and eggs! In Vietnam, noodle dishes like pho usually come with a large serving of vegetables, so I wonder how ramen lovers get their vegetable intake." (Vietnamese / 20s / Female)
"It's high in calories, so I try to avoid ramen, even though it's delicious." (French / 30s / Male)
There are various ramen options with a focus on vegetables, and it would be great to introduce them to those concerned about the lack of veggies. However, some people can't resist the deliciousness of ramen, even though they're conscious of the high calorie content.
The Ramen's Homeland! Reactions from People from Chinese-speaking Regions
Finally, let's look at the comments from people from Chinese-speaking regions, the homeland of noodles. Some say that Japanese ramen is entirely different from what they know, but what surprised those from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan when they first tasted Japanese ramen?
"The most surprising thing was that 'ramen and rice' come as a set. Or 'ramen + gyoza,' or 'ramen + rice + gyoza.' In China, they are never eaten together. Rice is usually eaten with side dishes, so I thought, 'Is ramen a side dish for Japanese people?' (laughs). But when I actually tried it, I got hooked..." (Taiwanese / 20s / Female)
"The richness of the soup is amazing. In my hometown in China, ramen usually has clear and light soup. Japan has many places with thick and hearty soup, which was surprising." (Chinese / 30s / Male)
"Why do ramen restaurants only serve plain water instead of hot water...? Warm water should be served with hot food!" (Hong Kong / 20s / Male)
"It's not considered rude to slurp the noodles. In Hong Kong, ramen is generally eaten, but hardly anyone slurps the noodles like they do in Japan." (Hong Kong / 20s / Female)
The gaps between their own country's ramen and Japanese ramen are quite significant. And here's the ultimate comment:
"I was surprised when I learned that Japanese people think of 'ramen as Chinese food.' After all, for Chinese people, ramen is Japanese food!" (Chinese / 20s / Female)
Even people from the homeland of ramen sometimes view Japanese ramen as a unique development. There's no doubt that Japan will continue to surprise the world with its ramen!
So, when you visit Japan, you definitely have to try ramen!
"The most surprising thing was that 'ramen and rice' come as a set. Or 'ramen + gyoza,' or 'ramen + rice + gyoza.' In China, they are never eaten together. Rice is usually eaten with side dishes, so I thought, 'Is ramen a side dish for Japanese people?' (laughs). But when I actually tried it, I got hooked..." (Taiwanese / 20s / Female)
"The richness of the soup is amazing. In my hometown in China, ramen usually has clear and light soup. Japan has many places with thick and hearty soup, which was surprising." (Chinese / 30s / Male)
"Why do ramen restaurants only serve plain water instead of hot water...? Warm water should be served with hot food!" (Hong Kong / 20s / Male)
"It's not considered rude to slurp the noodles. In Hong Kong, ramen is generally eaten, but hardly anyone slurps the noodles like they do in Japan." (Hong Kong / 20s / Female)
The gaps between their own country's ramen and Japanese ramen are quite significant. And here's the ultimate comment:
"I was surprised when I learned that Japanese people think of 'ramen as Chinese food.' After all, for Chinese people, ramen is Japanese food!" (Chinese / 20s / Female)
Even people from the homeland of ramen sometimes view Japanese ramen as a unique development. There's no doubt that Japan will continue to surprise the world with its ramen!
So, when you visit Japan, you definitely have to try ramen!
Japan Culture Guide
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