Types of Ramen and Toppings - Learn Japanese

How many types of ramen do you know?

This video introduces the different types of Japanese ramen and toppings with illustrations. Listen to the pronunciations and learn some simple phrases that you can use when you go to a ramen shop in Japan.

Which type is your favorite?

何(なに)ラーメンが一番(いちばん)好(す)きですか？
(nani rāmenga ichiban sukidesuka?)

Types of Ramen:

醤油(しょうゆ)ラーメン　soy-sauced based broth

塩(しお)ラーメン　salt-based broth

豚骨(とんこつ)ラーメン　pork bone-based broth

味噌(みそ)ラーメン　miso-based broth

つけ麺(めん)　dipping noodles

Typical Toppings:

ネギ　scallions

のり　seaweed

味付(あじつ)け玉子(たまご)　egg marinated in soy sauce

チャーシュー　braised pork

メンマ　seasoned bamboo shoot

なると　cured fish surimi

バター　butter

コーン　corn

You can also find out what the onomatopoeia for slurping is in the video, and learn why Japanese people slurp noodles here.

Have You Heard of 中華そば (chūkasoba)?

ラーメン was called 中華(ちゅうか)そば (chūkasoba) in the beginning, as it was Chinese noodles (中華(ちゅうか)そば) in a Chinese-style soup. Many old-school 大衆食堂(たいしゅうしょくどう) diners still have 中華(ちゅうか)そば on the menu, which is usually shoyu-based.

The dish was introduced from China with the opening of Japan in the Meiji era, spread from 横浜中華街(よこはまちゅうかがい) (Yokohama Chinatown) throughout the country, and quickly becoming a national favorite.

Now, there’s a ramen shop on almost every corner of any restaurant area. When you’re in Japan, you’ll be able to spot the popular shops with a long line trailing outside.

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How about インスタントラーメン instant ramen? Watch the video here and learn more here.