What is ramen?

Ramen is a common Japanese food, and its blend of flavors and textures in harmonious balance has won hearts all over the world. At Momotoko, we pride ourselves on serving authentic ramen that speaks to its long history and deep cultural significance.

The Origins of Ramen

Ramen’s history started in the early 20th century in Japan, taking as its inspiration Chinese wheat noodle soups. It originally appeared in Chinatown, Yokohama, with Chinese immigrants who had brought the food traditions of regions such as Guangdong and Jiangnan with them. The early versions had wheat noodles in broth and were topped with roast pork, giving birth to what would soon turn into a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. Which leads to the evolution of ramen noodles.

Evolution into an Icon of Japan

In due course, ramen changed with time and adapted to local Japanese tastes, finally forcing them to open special shops for ramen. In 1910, Rairaiken is said to be Japan’s very first restaurant to serve only ramen. It opened in Asakusa, Tokyo, and engaged cooks from Canton to serve this adaptation of noodles in broth dish with char siu or roast pork. In 2015, Momotoko was born and changed the future of ramen noodles in Finland.

Regional Variations

The rich geographical variations and culinary taste of Japan have divided ramen into various regional styles:

Tokyo: Clear and savoury, soy sauce-based broth.

Sapporo (Hokkaido): Rich miso-based broth for a hearty flavour.

Fukuoka (Hakata): Creamy tonkotsu or pork bone broth is well-known, rich, and milky in texture.

These regional specialities reveal the adaptability and widespread popularity of ramen throughout Japan.

Momotoko has been known for its 10-hour-cooked Fukuoka (Hakata)-style broth.

Ramen Etiquette: How to Savour Your Bowl

More so, for the full enjoyment of ramen, some traditional ways are as follows:

Use Chopsticks and a Spoon: Traditionally, ramen is enjoyed using chopsticks for the noodles and toppings and a spoon for broth.

While it is acceptable to use a fork if one doesn’t feel comfortable with chopsticks, embracing traditional utensils makes for a great experience.

Slurp the Noodles: In Japanese culture, slurping is a sign of enjoyment and helps aerate the noodles, enhancing their flavour. Don’t hesitate to slurp your noodles audibly.

Enjoy the Broth: After savouring the noodles and toppings, lift the bowl to your lips and drink the remaining broth. This practice is customary and shows appreciation for the chef’s effort in crafting the flavourful base.

Eat immediately: The best ramen is eaten straight away, before the noodles get soggy. Right after it arrives in front of you, dive into the bowl for the perfectly textured, temperature-range-eating experience.

Following these customs lets you better enjoy the ramen dining experience and appreciate the details that make this dish so popular within Japanese cuisine.

Enjoy rich history and enjoy a variety of flavours at Momotoko; our menu holds many options that have been created with passion and with the best ingredients.

At Momotoko, we invite you to explore the rich history and diverse flavours of ramen. Our menu features a variety of options, each prepared with traditional techniques and the finest ingredients.

Join us to experience the essence of Japanese ramen culture right here in Finland, at one of our many locations. 

See more at Ramen