We'd Like to Teach The World to Slurp: The Weird and Wonderful Story of Ramen's Rise to Glory
Sep 26, 2023
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Learn about the fascinating history of ramen, from its Chinese origins to its transformation in Japan. Discover how ramen became a popular and affordable source of nourishment after WWII. Explore the rise of instant ramen and its global impact. Hear a heartwarming story about the calming power of ramen in a prison. Uncover the individual style and playfulness of ramen and its addictive nature.
48:33
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Quick takeaways
Ramen's rise to glory in Japan was influenced by Chinese culture and the country's historical lack of meat in its traditional diet.
Ramen transitioned from fast food to artisanal cuisine, with out-of-work entrepreneurs in Japan and chefs in the United States opening their own ramen shops and putting their unique spins on the dish.
Deep dives
The Origins of Ramen: A Fusion of Cultures
Ramen, a popular noodle soup dish, originally originated in China and was brought to Japan. Japan's historical lack of meat and variety in its traditional diet led to the adaptation of a meaty, wheat noodle soup as a new culinary innovation. Japan's admiration for Chinese culture played a significant role in the adoption of noodles as a staple in Japanese cuisine. The dish underwent several modifications over time, with different regions in Japan creating their own unique styles of ramen. It became a popular street food option, particularly after World War II, as urbanization increased and people sought quick and affordable meals. Ramen gradually gained worldwide popularity, with chefs in the United States and other countries opening their own ramen shops and putting their unique spins on the dish.
The Rise of Artisanal Ramen
The transition of ramen from fast food to artisanal cuisine occurred in the late 1900s and early 2000s. Out-of-work entrepreneurs in Japan opened ramen shops that focused on specific regional styles, and their efforts gained recognition and popularity. The trend reached the United States, where chefs who had experienced the authentic flavors of ramen in Japan opened their own restaurants. These establishments offered freshly made noodles, flavorful broths, and specialized toppings, attracting a devoted following. Over time, ramen became a prominent feature in many cities, offering gourmet and diverse variations suited to different preferences and dietary restrictions.
Instant Ramen: The Greatest Invention of the 20th Century
Instant ramen, the pre-packaged version of the popular noodle soup, was the brainchild of Momofuku Ando. In the 1950s, after observing long lines for black market ramen in post-war Japan, Ando aimed to create a non-perishable and quickly prepared version of the dish. Through experimentation, he developed the method of frying and dehydrating the noodles so that they could be easily reconstituted with hot water. Instant ramen quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple food item and an iconic invention of the 20th century. Its accessibility and convenience made it a popular choice among college students, laborers, and even prisoners, where it became a valuable commodity in exchange for other goods.
The Enduring Legacy of Ramen
Ramen continues to captivate and evolve as a beloved culinary delight. Whether enjoyed in traditional ramen shops, trendy artisanal establishments, or even homemade variations, ramen offers endless possibilities for creativity. Chefs and enthusiasts worldwide celebrate the dish's versatility, experimenting with diverse ingredients and flavors to create unique interpretations. With its rich history, cultural fusion, and enduring popularity, ramen continues to enthrall taste buds and inspire passion among food lovers globally.
Savory, chewy, and, above all, slurp-able, a delicious bowl of ramen is one of the triumphs of Japanese cuisine. That's also a bit odd, because, for most of Japanese history, heavy, meaty, wheaty noodle soup would have had no place in the archipelago's otherwise bland and mostly pescatarian cuisine. This episode, we bust ramen myths and reveal ramen secrets, with the story of how Chinese influencers, U.S. food aid, and an economic boom built the quintessential Japanese soup—and how ramen was transformed from a quick street-food bite for workers to both the three-minute staple of students everywhere in its instant form and the craft ramen that has people standing in lines for hours. Plus: how ramen noodles helped prevent a prison riot, and Cynthia and Nicky go head-to-head in an epic (failure of a) slurp-off.
