Ramen - The Wonder Noodle!

Ramen is a short typical noodle meal exceedingly popular in Japan. It is what is called more than just a quick meal. It was originated in China in 1800s and was brought to Japan. It is the staple dish of Japanese and a new cultural phenomenon. There are many ramen towns and popular ramen shops in Japan. Not to mention, Tokyo is the most famous city for most of the Ramen shops in Japan.

Ramen shops in Tokyo compete with each other for their uniqueness in noodle, soup ingredients and toppings. Japanese roam around and get their favorite type of Ramen. Most of the Ramen shops in Tokyo are of open kitchen style with counter only seats. In these types of shops, there is only one person who performs all the functions like cooking, serving and collecting money. Such a person is so enjoyable to watch for his or her rhythmical movement while cooking.

Ramen noodles come in usually flat, fat, thin, and ribbon-like sizes. They can also be straight or wrinkled with yellowish hue. They are always served in a hot broth flavored with miso or shoyo and toppings like beef, seafood, chicken, spring onions and seaweed.

This unique dish is so popular that different regions in Japan have themed their variations based on their geographic origin. Corn-butter Ramen in Sapporo and Tonkotsu Ramen in Kyushu are the two examples. There are four popular types of ramen, such as Miso Ramen, Shio Ramen, Shoyu Ramen and Tonkotsu Ramen.

In Japan, most of the Ramen shops have a vending machine. You can choose a dish from the picture menus exhibited inside the shop and buy a ticket on the machine.

Tokyo Station, one of the main points for the shinkansen to stop, is the hot spot of many people. Many people who visit here stop to eat in authentic restaurants like Ramen shops. However, the way ramen is prepared and served, these shops look simple in the streets of Tokyo, but it is the serving quality that ultimately determines their success and uniqueness.

Ever Wonder Why Japanese Girls Stay Slim? Find Out Their Secrets

Have you ever wondered why Japanese girls always stay slim? In this article, you will find out the secrets of Japanese women in keeping themselves lean, slim, and healthy. They tend to live longer and are mistaken to be in their twenties when they are already in their forties. The secret lies in their diet. If you want to look you and fit just like them, follow the Japanese Chopsticks Diet.

Consider the home-style cooking and eating habits of the Japanese. Below are the most important contents of the Japanese Chopsticks Diet.

Soya - The Japanese tend to eat soya products as much as 12 times more than people in other countries. Soya has high protein content and is low in fat and calories. Reports show that soya also decreases the risks of colon and breast cancers because it contains anti-carcinogenic components.

Fish - An average person living in Japan eats 69 kg (kilograms) of fish every year. This means that they eat fish four times more than other people in the world. Fish are rich in omega-3 oils that are good for the skin and the mental development in children.

Variety - Elderly in Japan tend to eat a hundred of food types in a week. This helps them absorb different kinds of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.

Light cooking techniques - This includes simmering, stir-frying, pan-grilling, and steaming and they allow the food to preserve the nutrients present before cooking.

Breakfast - Green tea, which is very rich in antioxidants, is the most popular breakfast in Japan. They also have miso soup, steamed rice, grilled salmon, and small-size omelets.