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Ramen Noodles

Even if you decide Japanese food is not your thing, you've got to try ramen noodles. This is an incredibly popular dish across Japan with each area developing it's own specialities and recipes.

It was originally brought to Japan by the Chinese in the 1800s, but it's now a staple dish in Japanese food culture.

Types of Japanese Ramen

The noodles themselves don't change, it's the soup they are served in that carries the flavour and character of the dish. There are four main types of ramen soup:

• Miso ramen - the stock made using the same miso paste that is used in miso soup and originating in Hokkaido to the North
• Shio ramen - a salty stock to be wary of if you have high blood pressure
• Shoyu ramen - made from soy sauce resulting in a brown liquid stock
• Tonkotsu ramen - traditionally made using pork bones although chicken bones are now used in the same way. This is a whiter stock and is the pride of Kyushu in the South of Japan

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Eating Ramen

The Japanese relish their ramen noodles and it's an accepted sign of appreciation to slurp your ramen as you eat it.

This doesn't mean that you have to slurp your food in the same way - if you're anything like me, you just can't do it - but don't be offended by those around you. This is Japanese culture on full display so lap it up (no pun intended) and enjoy this tasty dish.

Most ramen restaurants are small affairs where you sit or stand at a counter to eat. Popular shops are always easy to spot. At lunchtime and on weekends you will see long queues of people waiting to be served their favourite bowl of noodles.

There is a box of chopsticks and some condiments on the counter. Just help yourself and add as much or as little as you like to your ramen noodles. The most common additions are ginger and garlic and both are delicious. You'll also be served with a cup of ocha - Japanese green tea.

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Ordering Ramen

Most ramen shops have a vending machine inside where you buy a ticket for the ramen noodles you've chosen. There are often picture menus inside so you don't need to worry about reading everything.

Choose the picture that looks best to you and then find the corresponding button on the vending machine and pay the money. The average price for a bowl of good ramen is around ¥1,000.

Once you have your ticket, take it to the counter and give it to the staff. Your ramen will be served in a couple of minutes.

In summer, as with most Japanese noodle dishes like soba and udon, cold ramen is available. It's very refreshing on a hot Tokyo day.