Tonkotsu ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is a type of ramen that originated in Fukuoka, on the Kyushu island of Japan. It is known for its rich, milky, pork-bone broth and its thin, non-curly and resilient noodles.

History

Tonkotsu ramen was first created in the early 20th century in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka prefecture. It was originally intended as an affordable, easily-prepared food for laborers at fish markets. Over time, it gained popularity and spread throughout Japan and eventually to other parts of the world.

Preparation

The broth for tonkotsu ramen is made by boiling pork bones for a long period of time, often over 12 hours. This process extracts the collagen, marrow and fat from the bones, creating a creamy, flavorful soup. The noodles used in tonkotsu ramen are thin and straight, and are typically served al dente. The dish is often garnished with ingredients such as sliced pork belly, green onions, nori (seaweed), and menma (bamboo shoots).

Variations

There are several regional variations of tonkotsu ramen. In Hakata, the local variety of tonkotsu ramen features extremely thin noodles and minimal toppings. In Kumamoto, another city in Kyushu, the local tonkotsu ramen is known for its addition of roasted garlic and garlic oil.

In popular culture

Tonkotsu ramen has been featured in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and manga, such as the popular series Naruto. It has also been the subject of numerous food travel shows, highlighting its popularity both in Japan and internationally.

See also

• Ramen
• Japanese cuisine
• List of ramen dishes

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