National Ramen Day
Nourishing bowls of savory comfort — a culinary delight unveiling layers of intricate flavors with every satisfying slurp.
A pile of thin and curly noodles surrounded by delicious and nutritious broth? Yes, please! Ramen noodles are one of the most famous dishes to come out of Japanese culture, and now they are embraced in all corners of the world.
National Ramen Day succeeds in getting everyone’s taste buds excited for this robust and versatile food!
How to Celebrate National Ramen Day
All sorts of tummies, and also hearts, will be deeply happy when National Ramen Day is observed and enjoyed with the whole family. Have a delicious time with this day by celebrating in some of these ways:
Enjoy Eating Some Ramen
Obviously, it isn’t necessary to wait until National Ramen Day to cave into that deep craving for this bowl of noodly goodness.
But, this special day does offer a delightful opportunity to show some appreciation for and raise awareness about this delicious, comforting food that so many people all around the world are in love with!
Get Creative with Ramen
Forget a boring bowl of ramen with standard flavors and no color. National Ramen Day is the time to get a bit creative and push the flavor limits of this dish to upgrade it to something amazing!
Check out some of these ideas for enjoying ramen to the fullest:
- Pesto Ramen. Keep the same noodles but slather it with pesto made from olive oil, pine nuts and baby spinach. Then top with parmesan cheese and roasted red peppers.
- Breakfast Ramen. In a hurry for breakfast? No problem! This ramen is supported by cheesy eggs, bacon, and a topping of sliced green onions.
- Ramen Burgers. Ever thought that those ramen packets could be made into a crunchy fried hamburger bun? This is the time to try it!
- Zoodle Ramen. Go traditional with the toppings, but exchange the noodles for a gluten-free healthy alternative by using zucchini noodles.
National Ramen Day FAQs
What role did ramen play in Japan’s post-World War II recovery?
After World War II, Japan faced severe food shortages. The U.S. supplied cheap wheat flour, leading to the proliferation of ramen stalls.
This affordable dish became a staple for many Japanese during the country’s recovery.
How did instant ramen become a global phenomenon?
In 1958, Momofuku Ando introduced instant ramen, revolutionizing quick meals.
Its convenience and long shelf life made it popular worldwide, especially among students and busy workers.
Is it true that slurping ramen is considered polite in Japan?
Yes, slurping ramen is customary in Japan. It shows appreciation for the meal and enhances the flavor experience by aerating the broth.
What are some unique regional ramen variations in Japan?
Japan boasts diverse regional ramen styles. For example, Sapporo is known for miso ramen topped with sweetcorn and butter, while Hakata specializes in rich, milky tonkotsu (pork bone) broth.
How has ramen been adapted in countries outside Japan?
Globally, ramen has been customized to local tastes. In France, chefs incorporate local ingredients like Mangalitsa pork, creating a fusion of Japanese technique and French culinary traditions.
What is the significance of the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum?
Opened in 1994, this museum recreates a 1958 Tokyo street scene, showcasing ramen’s history and cultural impact. Visitors can sample different regional ramen styles in one location.
Are there any myths associated with ramen’s health effects?
A common myth suggests that ramen contains cancer-causing wax. This is false; ramen does not have such harmful substances.
How did ramen become associated with college students?
Instant ramen’s affordability and ease of preparation made it a go-to meal for college students worldwide, earning it a reputation as a staple dorm food.
What is the origin of the word ‘ramen’?
The term ‘ramen’ is derived from the Chinese word ‘lamian,’ meaning ‘pulled noodles,’ reflecting its Chinese culinary roots.
How do ramen chefs achieve the noodles’ distinct texture and color?
Ramen noodles owe their firm texture and yellow hue to ‘kansui,’ an alkaline mineral water that modifies the dough’s pH during preparation.
History of National Ramen Day
Ramen has a background that can be traced back to China in the 1800s. The dish seems to have originated when soupy broth was combined with noodles and some flavorings.
This warming dish seems to have traveled with immigrants into Japan in the late 19th or early 20th century where it popped up in busy ports and then gained popularity throughout the entire country.
Of course, it didn’t originally come in those little packages with the powdered soup flavors. This is a modern version that has become popular mostly based on the convenience factor.
But there are still certain restaurants that serve fresh dishes of ramen noodles that are nutritious and also delicious. These establishments typically serve house-made noodles with slow cooked broth and locally sourced ingredients that are tantalizing to the tongue.
National Ramen Day seems to have gotten its start in 2017 with the purpose of creating an excuse to eat ramen – not that one is really needed. So grab a friend or family member and get ready to enjoy this delicious day!
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