Ramen << RAH mehn >> is a Japanese dish of noodles in broth with other added ingredients. Both traditional and instant ramen are enjoyed around the world.
Traditional ramen consists of four main parts: (1) tare << TAH ray >> (a base of seasonings), (2) broth, (3) noodles, and (4) toppings. Ramen comes in many different styles. Some styles are associated with a particular region. For example, Sapporo is a style of ramen popular in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Sapporo-style ramen has a base of miso ( soybean paste) and includes butter, seafood, and sweet corn. The combination makes for a hearty ramen that warms the body on harsh winter days.
Ramen noodles vary in shape and size depending on style and region. They are generally made with alkaline salts. The salts come from kansui (alkaline water), which is mixed with flour to make the noodles. The alkaline salts give the noodles a distinctive yellow color. They also help to prevent the noodles from breaking down in the hot broth.
Tare can be made with a variety of ingredients, usually including salt, soy sauce, or miso. Broths are made from such foods as chicken, pork, fish, mushrooms, and spices. Toppings range from raw garlic to soy sauce-soaked eggs to chasu, slices of roasted or braised pork.
Once prepared, Ramen should be eaten immediately. It is traditionally eaten using a combination of chopsticks , a deep spoon, and slurping. Slurping noodles is customary in Japan. It helps to cool the noodles and is thought to intensify the flavors.
Chinese immigrants brought ramen to Japan in the late 1800’s. There, the dish was originally called shina soba, or Chinese noodles. The simple ingredients of the original dish are preserved in the Tokyo style of ramen.
The Taiwan-born Japanese inventor Momofuku Ando created the first instant ramen in 1958. Instant ramen consists largely of dried noodles and flavorings. The noodles are prepared by adding hot or boiling water. Instant ramen may be sold in a packet or in a disposable cup with such freeze-dried toppings as shrimp, pork, and vegetables. Instant ramen has become a popular food in many parts of the world because it is affordable, easy to prepare, and filling. 
