What are Ramen Noodles?
Ramen noodles are Japanese wheat noodles served in a rich broth which is typically meat-based. In Japan, ramen noodles are commonly available at an assortment of establishments, ranging from small noodle stalls to bigger sit-down restaurants. Outside of Japan, consumers are often more familiar with the Ramen brand of instant noodles, developed by Momofuku Ando in 1958 for Nissin Foods. The origins of traditional ramen noodles appear to lie in China, a nation with a long tradition of noodle-making. As early as the 17th century, the Japanese were eating “boiled noodles,” but ramen noodles really took off in the 20th century, after Japan’s trade had opened to the West. One of the major early imports into Japan was wheat, a grain which was previously in fairly scarce supply, and the ready availability of wheat made ramen noodles a ubiquitous sight in Japan.
Ramen noodles are Japanese wheat noodles served in a rich broth which is typically meat-based. In Japan, ramen noodles are commonly available at an assortment of establishments, ranging from small noodle stalls to bigger sit-down restaurants. Outside of Japan, consumers are often more familiar with the Ramen brand of instant noodles, developed by Momofuku Ando in 1958 for Nissin Foods.
