Ramen Noodles Fun Facts And Myths

Ramen is a dish made of wheat-based noodles in soup. It originates from Japan and is served in virtually every part of the world, with different countries offering various flavors based on local ingredients. Here are some interesting facts and myths about the iconic ramen that you may not have known.

Ramen Facts

1. Ramen noodles were first introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. The popularity of ramen was further cemented after World War II when many Japanese soldiers returning from China brought back recipes they picked up there.
2. According to Guinness World Records, the longest strand of fresh ramen ever achieved clocked in at 3,084 m (10,119 ft 1.92 in) by Xiangnian Food Co. Ltd in China using 40 kg of bread flour, 26.8 liters of water and 0.6 kg of salt.
3. Does ramen make you fat? Ramen makes you fat because the noodle is basically carbohydrate and for instant ramen, the noodle is usually deep fried.  The four main types of ramen – Shōyu (soy sauce), Shio (salt), Miso (fermented soybean paste), and Tonkotsu (pork bone-based broth) – emerged after World War II as well and are still some of the most widely consumed flavors today. The broth will be seasoned with oil and might be fattening.
4. Does ramen contain eggs? It depends as eggs are not used for vegan versions. However, the egg is an easy way to make the texture of the noodle tangy and less sticky. Personally, I ate noodles without eggs and eggs do make a noticeable difference. The kansui which is a type of alkaline mineral water gives the noodles their yellow color and firm texture.
5. Does ramen cause cancer? No, and ramen is not listed as carcinogenic and it is a myth they contain cancer-causing wax.
6. Does ramen expire? Yes, eventually as mold can grow on it if kept in a moist and warm location. Ramen has a long shelf life and is often eaten as a cheap, instant meal. 
7. Instant ramen was invented by Japanese-Taiwanese inventor Momofuku Ando in 1958 who founded Nissin Foods Co., Ltd., the company behind instant noodle products such as Cup Noodles, Top Ramen, and Yakisoba Pan.
8. A-Sha USA's CEO, Young Chang, left Warner Brothers to start his own ramen business and raised $5m to start selling at Costco
9. There is even a National Ramen Day that takes place each year on 11 July but it is not widely celebrated.
10. Ramen noodles are typically cooked by boiling them in water, but they can also be stir-fried or served in a cold dish, or eaten raw (for instant ramen). Ramen noodles have become a popular ingredient in many different dishes, such as Ramen Burgers and Ramen Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
11. Although the word "Ramen" is derived from the Chinese word "Lamian" (which means "pulled noodles" referring to the process of making the noodles by hand), the process of making ramen is completely different.
12. Does ramen have MSG? Yes in most cases, as ramen is considered comfort food and people do not mind feeling unhealthy during cold weather, after a long day at work, or in hangover recovery.
13. Slurping noodles in Japan is not necessary even though it was widely publicized as being rude not to slurp to pay respect to the ramen chef. However, talking and leaving the ramen cold is not recommended as the chef made it for you to enjoy it hot. 
14. According to the World Instant Noodle Association, Japan is only ranked 5th in terms of instant noodle consumption after China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India and consumed 5,850 million servings (i.e. 16 million instant noodles a day). One possible reason is that Japan usually eats ramen at small ramen restaurants instead of instant ramen.
15. Tastewise states that 1.47% of restaurants (25715 restaurants) offer ramen noodles on their menus.  Tea, Sushi, Sake, Fish, and Chicken are the most trending pairings for Ramen
16. The most disgusting ramen sold must be the Kuzo ramen at Ramen Kumagori located in Hiroshima showing a raw fish that is highly condemned in Japan.

Ramen Myths

1. A myth about ramen is that it can only be enjoyed in a soup form. 
2. Some people believe that ramen noodles are only made from wheat flour, but in reality, they can also be made from a variety of other grains such as rice, buckwheat, and even potatoes.
3. Some people may think that ramen is only suitable for cold weather, but it is a dish that can be enjoyed year-round and can be served hot or cold depending on the recipe and personal preference.
4. Some people think that ramen is a difficult dish to make at home. While some traditional ramen recipes can be quite complex, there are also many simple and easy recipes that can be made with common ingredients and basic kitchen equipment.
5. Some people may think that Ramen is only suitable for vegans or vegetarians, however, there are many recipes that include eggs and soup base containing pork.
6. A myth is that ramen is unhealthy because it is often high in sodium and MSG. While some instant ramen noodles do contain high levels of these ingredients, it is possible to find lower-sodium and MSG-free options. Additionally, homemade or restaurant-made ramen can be made with healthier ingredients.
7. Another myth is that ramen is a cheap, low-quality food. While ramen noodles were originally marketed as a budget-friendly meal, many high-end ramen shops and restaurants now serve artisanal and gourmet versions of the dish, which can be quite expensive.

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