🍜 Ramyun (the way South Koreans spell it)
Ramen – in Japanese
Eat, Savor, and Be Nourished
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And He Said, “Ramyun”
“In the beginning, there was only hunger. And the Creator said, ‘Let there be noodles.’”
And lo, the first ramen was born—steaming, humble, and perfect.
It came from the East, carried on winds of trade and whispers of wandering cooks.
China gave the noodle its shape, Japan gave it soul. Shoyu, miso, tonkotsu—the Word became broth, rich and savory, a covenant of warmth for the weary and the hungry alike.
“Eggs like golden suns. Pork that melted like manna. Scallions and nori to crown the holy bowl.”
And it was good. Very good.
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🍜 A Bowl Behind Bars. 🔒
Beyond temples, street stalls, and high-end ramen shops, ramen carries its own language in unexpected places. In some correctional facilities, those recently released—or still inside—have their own shorthand for the humble bowl:
Ramyun becomes more than a meal; it’s sustenance, comfort, and a shared symbol. ❤️
Inmates often refer to meals made by combining various commissary items—instant ramen, chips, Spam, eggs, or whatever is available—as a “spread.” 😋
“These spreads are hearty, flavorful, and highly personalized—a testament to creativity and adaptability in constrained circumstances.”
(Scott L. has not been to jail; he recounts this story as he’s heard it carried on the wind, through conversations, and through the tales that travel.)
It’s a quiet testament to ramen’s reach: from mythic beginnings to global consumption, to the whispered familiarity of a bowl in a confined space.
Footnote: Global Consumption
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While ramen has ascended to near-mythical status in culture and cuisine, the real-world numbers are just as awe-inspiring. As of 2023:
China & Hong Kong: ~43.8 billion servings annually (~30 per person)
Indonesia: ~14.7 billion servings annually (~53 per person)
India: ~8.3 billion servings annually (~6 per person)
Vietnam: ~8.1 billion servings annually (~81 per person)
Japan: ~5.9 billion servings annually (~47 per person)
Per capita, Vietnam reigns supreme with 81 servings per person per year. 🏆
Food for thought—and proof that this humble bowl has conquered the world.
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