In Japan, it’s rare to find bad ramen. However, there are many different styles of ramen, and it’s natural that some bowls may cater better to your tastes. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your footing and get slurping!
The big four
When figuring out your favorite style, start at the base. Do you prefer a lighter broth like shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt)? Or, maybe you’re more into thicker, umami-rich flavor profiles such as miso (fermented soybean paste) and tonkotsu (made from simmered pork bones).
Once you’ve found your answer, seek out ramen restaurants that specialize in your preferred broth style. These specialty shops have spent years — sometimes decades — perfecting their signature dish, which more often than not is simply outstanding.
Some of Japan’s regions and cities are famous for particular styles of ramen, but you can usually find a variety wherever you go.
Unsure what you like? No worries! Go sample an array of ramen styles from all across Japan in one place — the magical Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, of course!
Subgenres
But ramen is certainly not limited to just four styles. Each has potentially unlimited subgenres, with new bowls being invented every day. Ok, that last bit might be an exaggeration, but it’s not uncommon to see new ramen shops pop up and put their own twist on the dish, not held back by tradition or region.
Some styles or trends that I have particularly enjoyed include ginger ramen, duck ramen, and shops that focus on making their own noodles.
Some other types of ramen you really don’t want to sleep on are the soupless ones. Or, less soup, as the case may be. These include abura soba, which utilizes rich seasonings rather than broth, and tsukemen dipping ramen.
FAQ
- How many different types of ramen are there?
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There are four major ramen styles, primarily defined by their broth: tonkotsu (pork broth), shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), and miso. There are also “soupless” varieties, such as abura soba and tsukemen, as well as regional varieties. Even among similar styles, no two shops will serve the exact same thing, making ramen an endless journey of discovery.
- Is there vegan ramen?
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Yes, some shops do offer or exclusively serve vegan ramen. You’re more likely to find them in major cities than in the countryside though.
- How much does a bowl of ramen cost?
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Price can vary slightly depending on how many toppings are on the bowl, but it’s exceedingly rare to see a ramen that costs over 2,000 yen. Many ramen shops offer a mini rice bowl or gyoza as side dishes, which typically cost around 500 yen.
- Where is the best place to eat ramen?
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You can find great ramen practically anywhere in Japan! Searching Google Maps or Japanese platforms like Tabelog can help you locate popular shops. The Tokyo area, of course, has an incredible number and variety of ramen shops, but there are plenty of famous ramen towns outside the metropolis as well. Even places not particularly famous for ramen will likely as not have some passionate chef putting out mouthwatering bowls.
- Is ramen healthy?
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While some styles are heavier than others, ramen typically is high in sodium (salt). No, it’s not the healthiest choice, but boy is it good…