Curry Ramen is Great for the Season!

In Japan, curry is savored in many forms, from classic rice to creative dishes like kare udon (curry with thick noodles) and kare pan (curry bread). Among them, curry ramen is a dish that brings harmony between ingredients and highlights curry’s distinct and exciting flavors. Let’s explore more about this wonderful dish!

How did curry arrive in Japan?

Curry arrived in Japan in the late 1800s when British sailors introduced it while interacting with the Japanese navy. Around that time, Japan had just opened its borders after being closed off for many years. The British brought curry powder from India, which had already changed to fit British tastes. The Japanese navy started using this dish because it was easy to make in big batches, tasty, and nutritious. 

In Japan, kare is usually eaten with rice. It has vegetables like potatoes, onions, mushrooms, carrots, and meats such as pork, beef, or chicken. The dish is thicker in texture than Indian curry and has a slightly sweet taste. By the early 1900s, it had become a standard meal in many Japanese homes. As it became more popular, it started appearing in shops and restaurants. Places like CoCo Ichibanya, a renowned kare restaurant, really made it a favorite meal all over the country and worldwide.

Where did curry ramen come from?

Curry ramen is a delicious dish that combines the best of both worlds: ramen noodles and rich kare soup. One of the most famous versions of this dish is Muroran curry ramen, which comes from the city of Muroran, Hokkaido. This special ramen was first made in 1965 at a local ramen shop called Ajinodaio. Since then, it has become a cherished dish in Muroran and nearby cities like Date, Noboribetsu, and Toyako. 

The curry ramen from Muroran is known for its thick noodles made from Hokkaido wheat, which gives them a chewy texture that holds up well in the soup. The soup itself is what makes this ramen unique. It mixes sweet and spicy curry flavors blended with a rich tonkotsu (pork bone broth).

This combination creates a warm, comforting, exciting, and hearty flavor. In addition, typical toppings include chashu (braised pork belly), crunchy bean sprouts, and wakame (seaweed). They all help enrich the texture and flavor of the ramen.

How do I make it?

Making Japanese curry ramen at home is easy and fun! You only need a few simple ingredients and can whip it up in a few minutes. Let’s dive into this simple and yummy recipe you can follow at home! 

Ingredients:

• Instant ramen noodles (with seasoning packet)
• Japanese curry roux
• Garlic and onion (minced)
• Mayonnaise
• Water

How to Make It:

• Prepare the Base: First, sauté minced garlic and onion until fragrant. In your pot, mix the instant ramen seasoning, sautéed garlic and onion mixture, and a little bit of mayonnaise until it turns into a smooth paste.
• Add Water: Pour water into the pot and stir the paste until it fully dissolves. Then, bring this mixture to a boil.
• Add Curry: Add the Japanese curry roux once the water is boiling. Stir until the curry is completely melted into the soup.
• Cook the Noodles: Add your ramen noodles and cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re just the right texture—not too soft but not too firm!
• Finish and Enjoy: Remove the pot from the heat. Pour the curry ramen into a bowl, and it’s ready to eat! You can also enjoy it with veggies, an egg, or even some dumplings on the side.

Now, you have a warm, tasty bowl of noodles perfect for a quick snack or dinner!

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Where can I enjoy curry ramen?

Shuichi

Shuichi is a fantastic ramen shop in Ebisu, just a short walk from Ebisu Station. This popular spot is famous for its curry ramen. Shuichi also serves various dishes, including curry oil soba and curry tsukemen. Their dishes are distinctive because they blend smoothly with other flavors, such as spicy miso or black sesame.

They use thick, frizzled noodles from Asakusa Kakuro, similar to those in Sapporo miso ramen. One of the highlights is their tsukemen dish, which comes with a creamy kare soup that pairs perfectly with the thick noodles. Plus, you can get a free bowl of rice to enjoy with your umami soup during lunch.

Oretachi no Curry 

This is a cozy little restaurant near Namba Station in Osaka. It’s a small place with just a few counter seats. However, it’s known for its lovely kare. Oretachi No Curry Ya opened in 2012 and quickly became famous after being featured on a renowned Japanese TV show.

You’ll have to use a vending machine to place your order when you enter the restaurant. The restaurant’s specialty is Japanese kare rice with crispy pork katsu, but its curry ramen is just as delicious. The kare here is rich and smooth. Moreover, you can also choose how you want your egg (the topping) cooked – a soft-boiled egg or an onsen egg. 

Chinrai

Chinrai is a well-known ramen shop with a rich history from 1928. Kiyoshi Shimizu’s founder started a noodle-making business in Tokyo after learning Master Uruno Yashirokichi, chairman of the Tokyo Chinese Noodle Manufacturing Association.

Though the shop had to temporarily close during World War II (1939 – 1945) due to wheat rationing, it reopened in 1946 in Asakusa. After that, Chinrai gained a reputation for its handmade noodles and high-quality ingredients, becoming a favorite in the area.

One of Chinrai’s specialties is their curry ramen. This dish features thin, irregular noodles stir-fried and served in a curry-flavored soup. The broth is buttery and filled with tender Chinese cabbage and minced pork, creating a comforting and fantastic flavor. 

Why should I try curry ramen?

Curry ramen is a delightful blend of kare and ramen noodles that offers an exclusive taste experience. Its rich, flavorful broth and chewy noodles make it the perfect dish for anyone who loves warm, comforting meals.

Furthermore, this ramen also combines both spicy and sweet flavors, making it a dish that many people can enjoy. It’s easy to make at home, but also fun to enjoy at local ramen shops in Japan. Have you ever tried this savory food? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!