Ramen lovers should know this! Who doesn’t know ramen? Japanese cuisine is made from noodles. Many people think that ramen is just a typical Japanese noodle. More than that, ramen has its own tradition. Let’s take a step back to learn more about ramen. And here we go!
Ramen was first introduced by the Chinese
Many said that ramen that we know now was first introduced by the Chinese. How could it be possible? Here’s the brief story….
FYI for those who don’t know, ramen was first introduced not by the Japanese. But the Chinese. Citing several sources, ramen was first introduced by Chinese traders to Japan in the 17th century.
The arrival of the Chinese traders began with the opening of ports in Japan in 1859. That moment provided access to influences from China and Western countries. One of the impacts is also in the culinary field.
Before that, Japan already had Udon and Soba. These two types of noodles existed in Japan about 450 years ago. Then, Chinese traders added soup to Soba noodles. The dish was originally known as “shina soba” (Chinese soba) and consisted of noodles made from buckwheat served in a simple soup.
The dish later spread in Japan and blended into the local food culture.
Why Has Ramen Become So Popular?
We all know that ramen is very popular. Not only in Australia, but also in Asia (of course it does), Europe, and America. Even though it was only introduced about 100 years ago, why is ramen, which was introduced by China, so popular around the world? Very interesting, wasn’t it?
Fun fact, according to The Guardian, the popularity of ramen in Australia from 2004 to 2020 has increased dramatically compared to the equally popular Laksa and Pho.
Actually, the very first moment that ramen became popular was after World War II, when Japan faced food shortages. The government started mass importing wheat from the United States, so wheat-based noodles became more accessible.
Chinese traders have experience doing business with Westerners. At that time, the price of authentic Japanese ramen, known as nankinsoba, was quite expensive. Especially for Chinese students, many of whom were sent to Japan to learn the Western system that Japan adopted.
Long story short, the Chinese there opened ramen shops with more affordable prices, even with flavors adapted to the Chinese tongue. Surprisingly, the dish became more and more popular.
The earthquake that shook Japan in 1923 also had an influence on the proliferation of ramen. Chefs who lost their livelihoods in Tokyo due to the earthquake spread out in many new areas and opened ramen restaurants.
The Characteristics of Authentic Ramen
The noodles of authentic ramen are homemade and fresh, not using the type of regular noodles we find in the grocery store. The texture of the noodles is also adjusted to the type of soup chosen. Authentic Japanese ramen noodles usually do not use eggs in the making process.
Not only made from flour, ramen noodles are generally made with the addition of kansui, an alkaline liquid to make it easier to batter ramen. Beside making the ramen easy to batter, kansui also gives the noodles a distinctive texture.
Typically, Japanese ramen broth is made from pork, chicken, beef, or fish bones that are simmered for a long time and then added with other seasonings to enrich the flavor.
Where to Find Authentic Ramen?
You don’t have to go that far to find authentic ramen with traditional Japanese flavors. You can find it at Pika Sushi Mornington at 2/139 Main St, Mornington VIC 3931.
Not only maintaining the authenticity of the dish, but the quality of the ramen here is also very important. Fresh ingredients from local suppliers are used to make all the dishes at Pika Sushi.
Our attention to detail ensures that every dish is of the highest quality, striking a delicate balance between flavors.
The experienced team will provide the best service to guests so that you can experience the highest quality Japanese cuisine, especially ramens.
Beside ramen, Pika Sushi also serves various other Japanese specialties such as sushi, katsu, rice paper rolls, and other interesting side dishes.
Interested to try? You can visit Pika Sushi Mornington branch, 2/139 Main St, Mornington, VIC 3931 or order online here.
