Ramen

Ramen is one of Japan’s national comfort foods, made up of noodles, soup, and toppings.
It typically features Chinese-style wheat noodles; common soup bases include soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone), while typical toppings include chashu pork, menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), green onions, marinated soft-boiled egg, and nori seaweed.
There are countless varieties of noodles, soup, and toppings, and they vary widely by region and by shop.

There are also more unusual styles, such as tsukemen, where the noodles and soup are served separately, and abura soba, where you toss the noodles with a special soy sauce-based sauce and oil instead of soup.
Across Japan, you’ll find local ramen styles that reflect regional food culture and ingredients, and some are famous and popular nationwide.
Because instant ramen is quick and easy to make, ramen is commonly enjoyed at home as well as in restaurants.