Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Today’s article will be written around the domains of Japanese traditional food and its huge boom in pop culture. Ramen, the famous noodle soup has infinite variations. Each of these kinds of ramen dishes has to be eaten in specific ways that will be followed by the type of bowl that is required and further accessories. But there is a huge offer, as I know it is overwhelming, I have drawn a pathway for you to get the best ramen bowls that best suits you.
But first things first… What is ramen?
Ramen is nowadays the food that everyone talks about, ranging from your otaku-anime fan friend to your foodie work colleague. As I have already mentioned it’s a Japanese noodle soup dish, with egg or wheat noodles contained in different broth varieties, frequently accompanied with some kind of meat, like skinless pork belly roll (‘chashu’), seasoned chicken or beef, fresh scallions, mollet (or very-soft-boiled) eggs, seaweed, mushrooms and much more.
Did you know?
Ramen has become a culture icon. It has slithered into the music industry, Lil Wayne and Eminem rhyme about it, and even Otis Redding blues give it a go in ‘Johnny’s Heartbreak’.
Besides, there are great spaces devoted to this plate, ‘The Shin Yokohama’ ramen museum is entitled as the world’s first food themed museum. It seems no one is able to leave behind a good ramen dish.
But it hasn’t been always this way, until 1945 not many people had heard about it, and it was just after World War II that many of the Eastern traditions entered Western culture not only in the form of cosmologies but also as culinary philosophy and dishes.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ramen Bowls
I’m now going to talk about how to choose the best ramen bowls that are available in order to enjoy our delicious ramen dishes to the fullest, we will describe them briefly in order to get a glimpse about each pros and cons. Furthermore, we will get some substantial insights on what a good ramen has to have, what type of bowl is needed and how can it be best eaten.
What is the type of bowl I need?
There are different types of bowls that can be found. The most common ones will be found in this list. The Menbachi, that literally translates to ‘noodle bowl’, is a must-have. It has a large and wide opening that will help you handle soupy ramens. There is also the Ohgigatadon that has a modern aesthetic, V-shaped bowl that is definitely a good choice for quick meals due it’s limited capacity.
As well, we can find the Tayoudon that is multi-purpose, which can also be used for a bowl of noodles or rice based dishes. It’s alternative choice is the ‘Hira’ Tayoudon, it is the shorter version of the first but with a wider bowl that has capacity to hold a bigger dinner.
Another ramen standard is the Tamadon, a round bowl with a thick casing that makes it last throughout the years, the first pick of couples that have kids. For last, the Koudaidon, has a small grip on the base that allows a better handling of the bowl when lava-hot ramen is served.
Of them all, the sizes tend to be practically within the same measures. The size is a big part of a good food experience, as it must have sufficient capacity to fit all the blends while avoiding spilling. The so-called Japanese golden proportion, says that the ramen must be around 75% of the total bowl capacity. The sizes are typically:
- 7.5 inches (19.05 cm): for a lightweight ramen in a lightning meal
- 8 inches (20.32 cm): the standard size
- 9 inches (22.86 cm): it can stand a ramen bellyflop night
In what materials can I find them?
This can be a decisive point while picking your ramen set. Materials are part of the whole experience as they can influence the food’s flavor, temperature, and much more. So you might ask, in what kind of material can I find a good bowl?
- Ceramic-ware is the Japanese standard. It keeps the temperature of the bowl of noodles just on the right point, dishwasher-safe. When lead free, they’re also microwave-safe.
- Melamine-ware is also a current option. It’s lightweight and will very hardly break. Even if they are practical they are not recommended for microwave heating.
- Steel-ware is another material you can find. Although they are not as popular as the first two, they might be a good choice.
And what is their capacity?
Everyone is rushing to read this, and those who are hungry are the fastest. The trends dwell within 35oz, 45oz and 57oz. So let’s see some details:
- 35 oz (1035 ml): this is a good size for eating a light portion. Not very deep, and will handle an instant ramen well enough.
- 45 oz (1350 ml): this one will leave more space for extra toppings and better handling of the noodles. Comfortable-medium size that fits them all.
- 60 oz (1775 ml): this is the those-who-are-hungry best pick. It can hold a big ramen, lots of toppings with more than enough broth.
Is there any accessory that is needed?
This depends on what kind of ramen you will be eating, but chopsticks and renge are mainly the way. The chopsticks are a tradition largely extended throughout Asia, and the chirrirenge (“renge” most commonly) not that much, but don’t worry, I’ll tell you about it later in this article.
What is included in a ramen dish?
As I’ve already said, ramen dishes can be found in lots of varieties. The main ingredients are the bone or aromatic vegetables broth, the tare that gives flavor to the broth and a name to the plate (i.e., ‘Miso Ramen’ has chicken/pork bone-broth flavored with miso sauce), wheat or egg noodles, a vast world of toppings, fats and oils.
The broth is a fundamental part of ramen as it will be the essence of our plate. There are mainly two types divided due their density. On the one hand, the kotteri is a thick broth, full of proteins (rich in collagen) and minerals that are a product of bone cooking for a very long time, sometimes up to 10 days. On the other hand, the assari is light and clear, rich in vegetables, fish and cooked-bones for less time.
Some of the best ramen dishes out there are the following:
- Shio Ramen: flavored with sea salt, is one of the oldest and derives from Chinese noodle-soup, where ramen comes from. Not very popular outside its native country.
- Shoyu Ramen: flavored with soy sauce (it’s a blend of fermented roasted wheat and soybeans), this ramen is popular in the central region of Japan. The broth also is nourished with mirin (popular Japanese seasoning, a kind of rice wine), dashi (fish-based broth) and sake.
- Miso Ramen: flavored with miso, a seasoning sauce made from soybeans, cereals, sea salt, and Koji mushroom. It is relatively new (wasn’t popular until mid 1960’s) but is now served in almost every Japanese restaurant. A very tasty, robust with unique toppings ramen variety.
- Tonkotsu Ramen: flavored with a thick and creamy pork-based broth and served with chashu, the famous marinated pork, and noodles in the centre. Originally from Fukouka, in the cold northern shore of Kyushu.
How do I eat ramen?
Ramen is quite difficult to eat and not only for clumsy people. For us practitioners of the all-mighty fork eating cult, dwelling in the broth with our chopsticks against a soft-boiled egg might be a challenge by itself. And I’m not even talking about slurping those noodles yet.
So, follow my lead:
- Start small. Take your chopsticks and pick some noodles with broth, fat and seaweed/vegetables.
- Get your mouth close to the platter. Not the other way around since you could stain with broth and look silly.
- Hard slurping. No mercy for those noodles.
- Our savior, Renge. The renge is multi-functional, you may drop and tear apart the pork here, pick up some grains of corn or drink some broth with it. The otama may serve this last purpose as well, although is not as popular as the renge.
- Repeat. You’ll get groovy soon.
Top 6 Best Ramen Bowls
I’ve gathered you some of the best ramen bowl sets. These products are available with an almost world-widely shipping, secure packaging, great material quality and excellent on-line service.
1. NJCharms Ceramic Japanese Ramen Bowl, 2 Sets
- TRADITIONAL AUTHENTIC STYLE: Authentic Japanese style ramen bowl. Hand-crafted from thick, durable and restaurant-grade ceramic material, our noodle bowls are made to last daily use.
- THE RIGHT SIZE: 60 fluid oz capacity can hold generous portions! Ramen restaurants in Japan use 50oz+ ramen bowls to hold their soup and noodles. This ensures toppings and soup sit securely in the bowl without spilling.
- SPOON AND CHOPSTICKS INCLUDED: Each ramen bowl set comes with everything you need. Great tableware to serve your family and guests with. With these beautiful bowls and chopsticks, your home cooked meals can feel like you are eating out at a fancy restaurant.
- EASY TO CLEAN: NJCharms ceramic ramen bowls surface covers a layer of high -density glaze. Dishwasher-safe. Simply throw these ceramic ramen bowls into the top rack of your dishwasher or scrub by hand.
- An Excellent Gifting Idea: NJCharms ceramic ramen bowls can be used as a housewarming, wedding, and holiday gift. We hope that you can share happiness with your family, colleagues, and friends through our bowls.
Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This ramen bowl set with Japanese aesthetics from NJCharms gives an authentic aura. In a classic size they have a traditional design with a modern touch. The bowls are done in a Koudaidon style with a small grip in the base. The bowl leverages up to 60 oz fluid capacity. The set includes 2 large ramen bowls, 2 otamas and 2 pairs of chopsticks. They’re easy to clean, dishwasher safe and microwave resistant. The casing has a thread design that gives a comfortable feel, and it has wide openings where a blue Koi can be seen.
Pros:
- 60 oz ensures a no broth-spilling meal. Size matters.
- Fast cleaning, and microwave heating.
- Lead free.
- Tableware included.
- Great quality, 100% ceramic.
Cons:
- Ceramic deserves very-careful handling.
- The otama (spoon) might be too small for big chashu.
- No renge included. Best ramen packages always have one.
2. Vallenwood Melamine Large Ramen Bowl, 2 Sets
- ✔️ ASIAN RECIPES to the NEXT LEVEL: This bowls will take your homemade meals to a one way trip to Tokio
- ✔️ Made from sturdy, restaurant grade unbreakable Melamine our bowls are built to last. Dishwasher Safe
- ✔️ PERFECT SIZE: Normal capacity 32 oz, Maximum capacity: 37 oz. 32oz is the chef recommended size. A Large amount that stays hot to the last bite;
- ✔️ SPOONS, CHOPSTICKS, AND CHOPSTICK stand INCLUDED: Each set comes with everything you need. Complete tableware to serve your family and guests. Also, unlike other listings, we include chopstick stands, which is much more hygienic and avoid messing the tablecloth.
- ✔️LIFETIME GOODS: Love them, or we willl buy them back from you, no questions asked
Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A gem from Vallenwood, which includes 2 ceramic Japanese large melamine ramen bowls, 2 renges, 2 pairs of chopsticks with chopsticks stands. These sets are thought to enjoy a ramen night with family or guests. Beautiful traditional styled bowls, with modern tableware as a distinctive touch. The Koudaidon design with 32 oz capacity can hold as well Pho, Udon or even a salad. This pack even includes a great gift box!
Pros:
- Wide opening, good capacity and resistant material.
- Traditional aesthetic.
- Lead free.
- Tableware included.
Cons:
- Microwave is not recommended (although not contraindicated)
- Melamine influences flavor
- ‘Plastic-ish’ aesthetic
3. Black Melamine Ramen Bowl, 6 Pieces
Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These ramen bowls from Kimi Cuisine, are slightly bigger than the aforesaid, with a 37 oz capacity and full black color, a modern and minimalistic style. Hat shaped with screw thread design that gives a good grip. This package includes 2 ceramic Japanese ramen bowls, 2 matching otamas and 2 pairs of chopsticks. It’s dishwasher safe, but as all melamine products, not microwave recommended.
Pros:
- Versatile: can hold a ramen, a vegetable salad or fruits.
- Includes matching chopsticks and otama.
- Excellent food-safe melamine quality.
Cons:
- Very small base grip, not practical for bowl handling
- The otama is quite flat, not very practical for drinking broth
4.DOWAN Ceramic Bowl, 4 Pieces
- Perfect Match for Cereal Lovers and The Soup Season: Set of 4, 32 ounces capacity (7-inch width), with no measurement errors after upgrading. Perfect for daily, formal dining tables and parties. Meeting daily personal needs such as cereal, salad, soup, ramen, snacks, rolls, chili, rice, mixed fruit, ice cream, sundaes, taco salads, pasta, mashed potatoes, sauce, frozen dinner, quick box meals, or other dishes you like.
- Excellent Stability and Space Saving: The deeper and wider design makes stirring very easy, will not overflow when you mixing salads. The flat bottom design can stand firmly in the cabinet, keep away from the sound of shaking tableware. Easily stack without taking up a lot of space in the cabinet.
- Modern and Classic Fusion: Cone shape with a classic white made porcelain your daily life into a depth of concise design, perfectly matches your existing dinnerware and kitchen style, also perfect as a gift for housewarming, wedding, and holiday gift. We hope that you can share happiness with your family, colleagues, and friends through our ceramic bowls.
- Quality and Healthy: DOWAN insists on using top-grade porcelain, anti-scratch, anti-chip, lead-free, and cadmium-free. Dowan salad bowls are wash easily. Your family can use it safely in the dishwasher microwave oven and refrigerator.
- Well Packaged for Perfect Condition: Our packaging is used with the best EPE foams to ensure safety in transit, these bowls will arrive at your hand safely. Dowan bowls stand up to accidental bumps and tumbles, keeping them chip-free, and looking brand-new for years to come.
Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Hira Tayoudon styled pottery piece ramen bowl sold by the DOWAN store is a fine and multi-functional choice, as it isn’t uniquely designed to eat ramen. This set includes 4 lightweight bowls with similar capacity than its counterparts (32 fl oz). Despite the fact that it doesn’t have a base grip as many ramen bowls do, the flat bottom might provide better stability. Stackable, and good for space saving.
Pros:
- Classic design, will fit all kitchen styles
- Great quality white pottery
- Microwave, oven, dishwasher and freezer safe
Cons:
- Porcelain requires a very-ultra-careful handling.
- No tableware included.
- Not children friendly.
5. Super Large Porcelain Bowl Sets, 3 Pack
- Perfect Size for All Your Needs: BIG serving bowl capacity with 60 ounces (8-inch width) which is perfect for daily, formal dining tables and parties. Meeting daily personal needs such as soup, salad, vegetables, pasta, cereal serving ramen, pho, noodles, fruits, and other uses.
- Easy to Clean and Use: NJCHARMS insists on using top-grade porcelain, anti-scratch, anti-chip, lead-free, and cadmium-free. NJCHARMS salad bowl can be used in the microwave or oven is safe to 446℉. Your family can use it safely in the dishwasher microwave oven and refrigerator.
- Classic Practical & Fashionable Decoration: White soup bowl with a smooth glazed finish that complements any tableware perfectly. Our soup bowl is perfectly matches your existing dinnerware and kitchen style, also perfect as a gift for a housewarming, wedding, or holiday gift. We hope that you can share happiness with your family, colleagues, and friends through our ceramic bowls.
- Excellent Stability and Space Saving: The deeper and wider design makes stirring very easy, these pho bowls are excellent in the kitchen as mixing, prep bowls, and bouillon Cups. The flat bottom design can stand firmly in the cabinet, keeping away from the sound of shaking tableware. Easily stack without taking up a lot of space in the cabinet.
- Great Tools for Mixing: Large serving bowls are designed with wide bases, they are heavy and deep enough to minimize movement on the counter while you are mixing. Also great for large lunches providing ample cooling and mixing space. A practical gift for your friends and family at a Wedding party, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another multi-purpose bowl that might come in handy. White with a black rim, can be found in its 7 or 8 inch version. Ideal for a healthy diet due the amount of opportunities it offers. Lead-free and non-toxic, high quality ceramic bowl. It has a stackable design, convenient for storage.
Pros:
- It has a very big capacity (65 fl oz), in other words, everything fits.
- White, minimal design.
- Break-resistant porcelain.
Cons:
- No renge nor otama included.
- Even if stackable, it still turns out to be very big.
6. YALONG White/Blue Porcelain Bowl, 4 Pieces
- The YALONG bowls are sepecial best for decoration bowl for parties, from steaming soups and stews, to noodles and ramen, fresh salads, pasta, cereal or desserts, your culinary creations will look as great as they taste when served in these attractive 40-ounce large salad bowls
- 4 different motifs in brilliant blue and white feature a vibrant, oriental background that will enhance the presentation of your signature meals in both special occasions and everyday dining
- Measures: 8 inches diameter by 3.1 inches high. Great for serving large portions with lots of gravy and sauces with big flat bottom, deep enough to keep your food from sloshing up over the edges. Bowls are large and exactly what you wanted for table sets from porcelain.
- The donburi bowls quality and style are so great Sturdy and stackable deep bowls are suitable for your kitchen, restaurants, catering halls, party times and used as an ideal gift, the 40 oz salad bowls bowls are perfect for registry gift and wedding, Christmas and New Year
- Updated stronger package, lead free and food safe; microwave and dishwasher safe; fast responsed after-sales service. Please contact us if any problem, free replacements for the broken order
Last update on 2025-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This set of 4, white bowls with beautifully designed blue floral and line patterns, are a very good choice. Slightly bigger than the aforesaid its capacity is 40 fl oz: a big size that will fit any food and make it look great. The casing’s pattern will not only give a delightful style, but will also ensure a better grip when handling the bowl.
Pros:
- Exceptional motifs, top notch aesthetic
- Multi-functional
- Family set
Cons:
- Not specifically designed for ramen
- Heavier than its counterparts
Final Thoughts
We have gone through a shallow view of ramen history facts, learnt some fundamentals of the best ramen bowls (types, materials and typical capacity), what’s actually ramen and how we are supposed to eat it. All of this will be crucial while picking the best bowl for your future meals.
In this article we’ve also seen that both the VALLENWOOD 2 Ramen Bowl Sets. 8 pieces, Melamine Large Noodle Bowls Set Asian, Chinese, Japanese or Pho Soup 37oz. With Spoons, Chopsticks and Stands. Complete Dinnerware. Thai Miso Udon wonton. and the Kimi Cuisine Ramen Bowl Set of 2, 8pcs Total with Chopsticks, Black Melamine Bowls with Soup Ladle Spoons, Saucer Cups and Large 37 oz Black Melamine Set offer a classic size and capacity, differing mainly in aesthetics. Melamine pros are that the material is very hard to break, lightweight and easy to clean; but on the other side, the fact that they are not the best fit for a quick microwave ramen makes them less flexible.
The pottery team has more variety. The DOWAN 32 OZ Large Soup Bowls Set of 4 - White Ceramic Bowls for Ramen, Cereal, Pasta, Salad, Fruit - Dishwasher & Microwave Safe and the NJCHARMS Large Serving Bowls, 8'' Big Soup Bowl 60OZ Set of 3, White Ceramic Bowl for Kitchen, Pho Bowl for Pasta, Ramen, Soup, Fruit Vegetable, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe option share the multi-functionality, and although the last one might be too much, they are both a good pick for everyday life. They’re super easy to clean, and both microwave and dishwasher safe. The YALONG 8 Inch 40 Ounce Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen Deep Soup Pho Bowls, Blue White Large Porcelain Salad Bowls Set for Ramen Pasta Cereal Dessert Stackable Deep Noodle Serving Bowls Set of 4 will stand top notch standards.
If you are looking forward to a fine ramen experience, I’d say undoubtedly go for the NJCHARMS Ceramic Japanese Ramen Noodle Soup Bowl, 2 Sets (6 Piece) 60 Ounce Ramen Bowls, with Spoons and Chopsticks for Udon, Pho, Asian Noodles, Ramen Noodles Bowl, Blue . The traditional yet modern design will provide a zen vibe wherever it stands. The classic tableware is included and the capacity will fulfill all your ramen needs. Despite its size, it’s very practical for handling and cleaning, and will surely exceed your expectations!
