Ramen is now a global favourite—cheap, comforting, and endlessly customizable. But its journey from a simple noodle soup to an international cultural symbol is more layered than you might expect. Ramen didn’t start in Japan, and its transformation into a national dish reflects a mix of foreign influence, local innovation, and post-war necessity.

Chinese Roots

Ramen likely originated in China. The earliest versions were wheat noodles served in a meat or bone broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or salt. Chinese immigrants introduced these noodles to Japan in the late 19th or early 20th century, particularly in port cities like Yokohama and Kobe. Back then, the dish was called shina soba—”Chinese soba”—a name that later fell out of favor due to its outdated term for China.

Japan Makes It Its Own

Japan didn’t just adopt Chinese noodle soup; it transformed it. Local cooks began tailoring the broth, noodle texture, and toppings to Japanese tastes. This was especially true in the post-World War II era, when food was scarce and wheat flour—provided by the U.S.—was plentiful. Street vendors and food stalls turned ramen into a go-to meal for the working class. It was cheap, filling, and adaptable.

As ramen gained popularity, different regions began putting their spin on it. Sapporo became known for miso-based ramen, while Hakata (Fukuoka) popularized the rich, pork-bone tonkotsu broth. These variations laid the groundwork for the regional ramen culture that defines the dish today.

The Instant Revolution

In 1958, everything changed again. Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin Foods, invented the first instant ramen: Chicken Ramen. It was a game-changer—long shelf life, fast to cook, and even faster to sell. A few years later, he launched Cup Noodles, which took convenience even further by combining the noodles, soup base, and container in one product. Instant ramen exploded in popularity worldwide, becoming a pantry staple for college students, busy families, and people on a budget.

Global Staple, Local Star

Today, ramen is everywhere—from high-end restaurants to vending machines. Chefs experiment with it. Artists reference it. And despite its humble beginnings, it’s now a billion-dollar industry. But at its core, ramen remains what it always was: a dish born from cultural exchange, adapted through necessity, and beloved for its simplicity and depth.

Its origin story reflects more than food—it reflects migration, resilience, and how one bowl can carry an entire history.