Let’s be real, we’re all partial to a delicious bowl of instant noodles at least once a week.
Far from anything to be ashamed of, packet-style ramen and a bottle of Japanese beer together serve as a veritable gourmet meal. A delightful blend of satisfying noodles and hearty broth with a spicy kick, followed by a swig of effervescent hops to chase it down, is sure to be on the last meal cards of countless individuals across the globe.
Whether you attended university or not, there will have been a period in your life where you almost lived off the stuff – this, however, we would not necessarily recommend.
If you’d like to enjoy a warming bowl of ramen every day, it’s probably worth looking into mastering a variety of simple, weekly recipes which make use of fresh produce to ensure you get your fix. The Vietnamese equivalent, known as Phá», is a lighter and more aromatic brothy noodle dish we highly recommend looking into if you’re a ramen lover.
Instant ramen is the brainchild of a Japanese-Taiwanese businessman who is sometimes referred to as the ‘Noodle God’. Momofuku Ando, who thought up the concept back in 1958, is the founder of cult-favourite brands including Top Ramen and Cup Noodles. Ramen, however, has origins in 19th-century China.
The concept of noodles being enjoyed in a soy or miso-based broth began in the early 1800s and travelled to Japan with Chinese immigrants following the Meiji Restoration in 1868 – according to the ramen specialists over at Yokocho. From the early 20th century onwards, ramen became commonplace throughout Japan, with the first official ramen shop called Rairaiken popping up in Asakura, Tokyo in 1910.
The iconic dish is now enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner over in Japan and beyond – slurped up with the help of chopsticks and bamboo ladles, and served in deep high-sided ceramic bowls. If you so happen to be a ramen addict, perhaps it’s worth investing in a dedicated all-in-one noodle set to elevate your mealtimes. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best down below. Keep scrolling for more.
Shop now.
Feed Me Bowl
Imbued with (n)oodles of vintage charm, this ‘Savour the Flavour’ diner-style ramen bowl might be slightly incongruous to traditional ramen sets, but we think this makes it the perfect vessel for decanting your favourite takeaway noodles into. Deceptively large, this chic 100 per cent stoneware bowl can also fit four packs of instant noodles – as tested by those at Typo. Winner winner noodle dinner.
Buy now £12.00, Typo
Yamata Seiho Ceramic Couple's Rice Bowl Set with Chopsticks Cat Pattern, Blue & Red
Wonderfully kawaii, this set of ceramic bowls can be used for both ramen and donburi rice dishes. Featuring happy, lucky cats on the outer edge and inside of the bowl, you’ll be greeted by a smiling kitty each time you finish a delicious meal. Made in Japan, each set comes with one blue bowl, one red bowl and two sets of chopsticks.
Buy now £35.98, Japan Centre
Sakura Ramen Bowl Set
Complete with two ramen bowls, two bamboo ladles and a brilliant ramen recipe booklet, Sous Chef’s gorgeous, traditional set would make a brilliant gift for Japanese food lovers. Each stoneware bowl is handcrafted, which means that natural variations in the design and pattern may occur, which we think adds to the unique and special nature of this authentic collection.
Buy now £45.00, Sous Chef
Ceramic Ramen Bowl
This speckled stoneware ramen bowl comes complete with a matching spoon and a set of high-quality chopsticks. Crafted using a reaction glaze design, this value-for-money set nevertheless boasts exquisite workmanship and is available in a variety of beautiful, traditional designs. Mix and match to make mealtimes marvellous.
Buy now £16.50, Amazon
Ramen Noodle Bowl with Chopsticks
In case you weren’t sure of what this ceramic vessel is for, it’s been repeatedly stamped in chic vintage lettering all over. Handmade by a small business based in the UK, this earthenware piece has been coated in a glossy, transparent glaze to showcase the material’s naturally bright colour. Wooden chopsticks are included.
Buy now £28.50, Etsy
Ramen bowl Set with Wooden Lid, Soup Spoon, Wooden Chopsticks, Bamboo Tray
Perfect for keeping both rice and noodle dishes extra-hot before serving, this delightful neutral-toned porcelain ramen bowl set comes with a matching soup spoon, wooden chopsticks, bamboo tray and wooden lid for trapping all that precious steam.
Buy now £45.00, Etsy
5" Japanese Ramen Udon Noodle Bowl with Chopsticks
In Japan, the crane – otherwise referred to as Tsuru – is an incredibly important national and historical symbol and is considered to be the bird of happiness. The Tsuru symbolises peace, luck and longevity because it is said to live around 1,000 years. Now, we know you won’t be thinking about all of that when tucking into a hearty ramen, but it’s certainly a lovely sentiment.
Buy now £16.08, Etsy
Kichvoe Ceramic Ramen Bowl
An extra-large option is once again complete with a kooky lucky cat, this ramen bowl is handmade from a thick ceramic material. With a whopping 800ml capacity, chopsticks and a ceramic spoon included, this really is a full-package deal.
Buy now £21.89, Amazon
Ramen Bowl with Handle and Lid
Brilliant for those looking to enjoy a warming ramen while on the move, this portable and microwave-safe option comes equipped with a carry handle and a steam-proof lid. Double-walled thanks to the stainless steel liner, you can also use it to keep all of your homemade hot dishes warm before tucking in.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Pusheen Ramen Bowl
This adorable Pusheen-adorned ramen bowl is made from durable stoneware and is packaged in a delightful gift box. Four inches tall, it’s a fantastic vessel for upping your Pot Noodle game.
Buy now £21.46, Amazon
