We are the youth hostel, and we are also the hostel for young Japan lovers!
This is a special article on our blog, because in addition to giving you information about our eternal city to make you enjoy your Roman holiday to the fullest, we want you to explore ‘hidden’ places that will leave you speechless, but in this case mouthful, dear Youngs!
Do you like Japanese culture?
Then you must know what’s special about us in the capital!
LET’S GO AND DISCOVER AKIRA RAMEN, the first Japanese restaurant recommended by Google, the best for the preparation of the typical traditional Japanese dish, RAMEN!
Not a fan of ramen? With Akira you will change your mind, we have no doubts!
Akira offers a vast menu to get to know so stay with us in this article and find out more.
At the bottom we also leave you the history of ramen if you want to learn more.
RAMEN IN ROME: in the heart of the capital the heart of Japan.
Japanese cuisine delicacies are a global phenomenon. They have bewitched Western palates so much that people can’t do without them, especially Generations Z and Alpha!
Confirm what we write:
‘These flavors stimulate the appetite and satisfy the sense of taste, always leaving a delicious memory in the memory that leads to repeating the experience.’
Do you confirm? Then stay with us because if you want to eat really well in Rome while savoring oriental dishes, you can’t help but go and meet Akira Ramen!
WHY IS AKIRA RAMEN SPECIAL?
Taken from his site:
‘ Akira Ramen follows the school of “Iekei Ramen”, born in Yokohama in 1974.
Iekei literally means “homemade type” and Akira has taken this definition at its word by offering a ramen with strictly home-made pasta, and a broth with well over 12 hours of cooking, and different combinations that offer flavors and experiences that make it unique.
The soup is made up of simple ingredients combined together, according to a delicate balance of flavors resulting from a centuries-old tradition.
For Akira the aim is to raise awareness of authentic Japanese culinary tradition.’
The History of Ramen: From China to the Heart of Japan
Ramen is one of the symbolic dishes of contemporary Japanese cuisine, but its history has deep and intercontinental roots that begin long before its rise as an icon of Japanese culture. This hot dish made with noodles, broth, meat, vegetables and various toppings has gone through many evolutions over the centuries, influenced by different cultures and regional tastes.
Chinese origins
Although it is now a symbol of Japan, ramen has Chinese origins. The first traces of ramen date back to the 17th century, when the Chinese emigrated to Japan and brought various noodle dishes with them. In particular, a Chinese dish called “lamian” — wheat noodles served in broth — is considered the direct ancestor of Japanese ramen. “Lamian” literally means “hand-rolled noodles,” a technique that involved stretching the noodles into thin strands, now also used in some types of ramen.
The Arrival of Ramen in Japan
Ramen only began to take shape as we know it today at the beginning of the 20th century. During this period, many Chinese workers arrived in Japan, especially in Yokohama, where the first “ramen-ya,” restaurants specializing in ramen, were born. Ramen’s main ingredients began to be defined: wheat noodles, flavorful broth, and toppings such as pork and egg.
One of the key factors for the spread of ramen in Japan was the modernization and industrialization of the country. Cities grew and life became busy, creating demand for fast, cheap and filling food. Ramen satisfied these needs perfectly and quickly became popular, especially among workers and students.
The post-war boom
After World War II, ramen’s popularity exploded. With the help of the Marshall Plan, Japan imported large quantities of flour from the United States, which made wheat noodles cheaper and more available.
This was a time of food scarcity, and ramen became an accessible and nutritious food for all. Furthermore, the opening of a large black market in Japan, where ramen and noodles were sold, further contributed to making the dish popular.
It was in this context that, in 1958, a Japanese entrepreneur named Momofuku Ando revolutionized the history of ramen with the invention of instant ramen. With the idea of creating a food that was easy to prepare and had a long shelf life, he created the first freeze-dried bagged ramen. This product not only simplified the daily lives of millions of Japanese, but also marked the beginning of the global spread of ramen.
Regional Diversification
Ramen has continued to evolve and diversify in Japan, giving rise to regional variations that are distinguished by the type of broth, noodles and toppings. Among the most famous we find:
- Shoyu Ramen (Tokyo): with soy sauce-based broth, it is perhaps the most classic version.
– Miso Ramen (Hokkaido): Born in cold Hokkaido, this ramen uses miso (fermented soybean paste) for a rich, full-bodied broth.
– Shio Ramen (Hakodate): Light and clear, with salt-based broth, it has a delicate flavor.
– Tonkotsu Ramen (Fukuoka): intensely flavored, with broth made from long-cooked pork bones, very popular in southern Japan.
Each region has interpreted ramen according to its own traditions and local ingredients, resulting in a rich and varied culinary heritage.
Ramen Today: A Global Phenomenon
Ramen has gone from being a simple, practical dish for workers to an icon of Japanese cuisine, which continues to evolve and fascinate people of all cultures. From small places in Tokyo to Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, ramen is a dish that tells a story of resilience, innovation and cultural fusion.
We in Rome are extremely fortunate to have AKIRA RAMEN, with 9 stores throughout Italy, we can say we have a GUARANTEE IN THE QUALITY OF TRADITIONAL JAPANESE DISHES!
Have we whetted your appetite and curiosity? What are you waiting for then! Go to Akira and eat your tasty ramen!
Did you like this article?
We are not finished, because we have another Japanese gem here in Rome:
THE JAPANESE GARDEN! See you in the next article!
HA! Let us know if you liked the ramen!
See you soon Young!