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In Japan, when classifying ramen, the soup is more important than the noodles, and there are many different types of ramen. It is also common to add various ingredients (toppings) on top of the noodles, and there are a great many different types of ramen.
Have you ever heard of the term "local ramen"?
There are more than 100 types of local ramen throughout Japan, including Sapporo ramen and Hakata ramen. Each local ramen has its own unique flavour, noodles, and ingredients, and is rich in regional colour and character. In recent years, new types of local ramen have emerged as a way to revitalize towns, but there are also many local ramen varieties that have been popular as local gourmet foods for a long time.
Why do we feel a strong sense of enjoyment and comfort when eating certain foods? Whether we are digging in to delicacies enjoyed on special occasions, or eating a raw vegetable grown in our own gardens, there is something beyond the flavor receptors on our tongues that make the experience of eating so enjoyable. While we consider how we can tap into the experience of eating, beyond flavour, we will explore the Japanese concept of koku. We would like to use this concept to promote healthier eating habits, but first, we need to have some understanding of umami, the fifth flavor, following sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.