Ramen Revolution: Exploring the UK’s Love for Japanese Noodles

As ramen food continues to enjoy a fast rise in popularity with more and more options sprouting up in the UK, some curious diners might feel intimidated or unsure about what to look for when choosing a quality ramen restaurant, such as Maki & Ramen. In our quest to bring authentic Japanese cuisine to the UK, we also want to ensure that even first-timers feel comfortable in our restaurants to know what to order, how to eat it, and what to expect with the various options on our menu.

What Is Ramen?

It may surprise you to learn that ramen in Japan isn’t a centuries-old tradition that’s been passed on from generation to generation. It’s a relatively new dish introduced just after the Second World War, making its meteoric rise from a quick street food to a global culinary sensation pretty amazing in such a short time. This phenomenon is no exception in the UK, where it’s become a beloved comfort food. But what exactly is it? At its core, ramen is:

Broth – A silky-rich broth, typically chicken-based, pork-based (tonkotsu), or a mix of both, with variations like miso and shoyu (soy sauce). Vegan options are also available.
Noodles – Wheat-based noodles are made from an alkaline concentrated solution called kansui, which gives them a distinct flavour and yellowish colour.
Toppings – Common toppings include sliced pork (chashu), soft-boiled eggs (ajitama), seaweed (nori), and bamboo shoots (menma).
Seasonings – Soy sauce, miso, salt (shio), and other regional flavours.

The beauty of ramen lies in its versatility. Chefs around the world, including those in the UK, have taken these basic elements and infused them with creativity and local flavours.

The Rise of Ramen Noodles in the UK

Ramen started as a niche offering in a handful of Japanese eateries in major UK cities. Today, it’s a mainstream culinary dish. From trendy London hotspots to cosy neighbourhood joints, ramen shops are popping up everywhere, each offering a unique take on this iconic dish. Authentic Japanese cuisine has had a significant influence on the UK dining scene. Learning the craft from Japanese chefs is essential to delivering an authentic experience, as in the case of Maki & Ramen’s founder, Teddy Lee, who studied in a sushi academy in Japan before opening our first location in 2015. This experience ensures we can provide the best ramen noodles to our diners.

The Community and Cultural Experience

Ramen dining in the UK isn’t just about the food but the experience. Ramen shops often emphasize a communal dining atmosphere, encouraging patrons to sit at the counter and interact with the chefs and fellow diners. This social aspect adds to the charm and appeal of ramen, making it more than just a meal but a cultural event. Decor also plays a role in the experience, so whether you find yourself in a ramen restaurant in Manchester or Glasgow, you should feel like you’re somewhere in Japan.

How to Enjoy Ramen Like a Pro

Knowing what type of ramen to order is only half the battle. Knowing how to eat it once you have a bowl in front of you is another art form. However, don’t be intimidated because it’s meant to be enjoyed and slurping and drinking straight from the bowl is all part of the experience. The traditional method is to enjoy ramen with chopsticks and a ramen spoon. Even if you’re not comfortable with chopsticks, you should try to use them. It gets easier with practice. Plus, you’ll have a spoon to assist. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

Sip the broth before mixing it with the noodles to appreciate its depth of flavour.
Using the chopsticks in your dominant hand and the spoon in the other, grab a small bite of the noodles with the chopsticks and dunk them into the broth for additional flavour. Use the spoon to support the noodles in the chopsticks and collect a little more broth.
Slurp the noodles proudly because slurping isn’t rude—it’s encouraged! It enhances the flavours and cools the noodles, and don’t miss out on enjoying the broth and toppings in the ramen spoon after your bite of noodles.
Eat quickly because ramen is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so don’t dawdle. Once you’ve eaten all the noodles in the bowl, put down the chopsticks and spoon. From here, raise your bowl like a giant mug of tea and slurp down the remaining broth.
After your first ramen dining experience, get creative on subsequent visits. Mix and match and experiment with the toppings and seasonings provided to customize your bowl.
Most importantly, enjoy the community and experience of it all. Whether you engage with the fellow diners around you or the chef, ramen is a social event.

Find a Ramen Restaurant in the UK

The ramen revolution in the UK is a testament to the growing appreciation for this versatile, comforting dish. Maki & Ramen specializes in ramen food for diners all over the country, bringing the experience to as many as possible. From traditional fare to creative fusion, there’s a bowl of ramen for everyone on our menu. Visit one of our locations near you and experience the joy of Japanese noodles today.