Ramen bowls

cuenco de ramen

Ramen, that Japanese dish that has conquered palates around the world, is not just a meal, but a complete experience. And as such, it deserves to be served in a bowl that is not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. Today I invite you to dive into the fascinating world of ramen bowls and discover how a simple object can transform your culinary experience.

Ramen Bowls and Their Importance

More than a Vessel: A Bowl with Character

The ramen bowl, known in Japan as ‘menbachi’, is more than just a bowl. It is a handmade ceramic work that reflects the character of the dish and the person serving it. These bowls, generally larger and deeper than ordinary bowls, are ideal for avoiding splashes and enhancing the flavors and aromas of ramen.

Choosing a bowl for Ramen

The Material: Key to take advantage of the qualities of Ramen

The choice of material is crucial. Ceramic bowls, for example, are popular for their tradition and unique handcrafted beauty; melamine bowls are light and sturdy, ideal for families with children.

However, ceramic is the material with the most advantages:

Heat Retention: One of the most outstanding features of ceramic bowls is their ability to retain heat. This is especially important for dishes such as ramen, where you want the broth to stay hot for the entire time it is being consumed.

Unique and Handcrafted Designs: Ceramic bowls are often handmade, allowing for a wide range of artistic and unique designs. Each bowl can have a distinctive character and style, reflecting both the creativity of the artisan and the taste of the owner.

large ramen bowl
Almost one liter capacity bowl by HQ Ceramic Studio

Durability and Quality: Despite its apparent fragility, ceramic is quite durable if properly cared for. It can withstand regular use without showing signs of wear such as scratches or discoloration, especially if high quality ceramics are chosen.

Microwave and Dishwasher Safety: Many ceramic bowls are microwave and dishwasher safe, making them convenient for food heating and easy cleanup. However, it is always advisable to check the manufacturer’s specifications, as some ceramics may require special care.

Resistance to Heat Transfer: Unlike other materials such as metal or plastic, ceramic does not transfer heat quickly. This means you can hold the bowl comfortably in your hands without feeling too hot, even when the ramen is very hot.

japanese bowl
Microwaveable black clay bowl by PotsByCb

Health and Food Safety: Ceramic generally does not contain harmful chemicals found in some plastics, such as BPA. This makes it a safer choice for serving food, especially when it comes to hot dishes that can facilitate chemical transfer.

Enhances Eating Experience: Not only for its functionality, but also for its aesthetics, ceramic bowls can significantly enhance the eating experience. Eating ramen in a beautifully designed ceramic bowl can make the meal more enjoyable and memorable.

Types of bowls

Ohgigatadon

This bowl has a distinctive and elegant shape that resembles a fan, hence its name. It is characterized by its straight, steep sides, giving it a modern and sophisticated look compared to traditional noodle bowls. Although its capacity to hold broth is smaller compared to other wider bowls, the ohgigatadon is ideal when the main focus is on the noodles rather than the broth. Due to its straighter-edged design, this type of bowl is easier to store and stack, making it practical for restaurants that value both aesthetics and functionality.

bowl
Large bowl by Ceramic Bowl Craft

Menbachi

This is probably the most recognized type of bowl for serving ramen. “Menbachi” literally translates as “noodle bowl” and is distinguished by being larger and deeper than other bowls. Its greater depth and width allow it to hold a good amount of broth without the risk of spillage, making it a favorite for serving ramen, especially when the soup is as important as the noodles. In addition, its shape helps prevent splashes and spills of broth, which enhances the ramen eating experience.

Tayoudon

This bowl is considered versatile and multi-purpose. It was designed to meet the need for a bowl that was not limited to just ramen, but could be used for a variety of dishes. Its design creates a deep, almost vertical space, making it a versatile bowl for serving not only ramen, but also other dishes such as soups and rice dishes. Because of its versatility, it is a popular choice for those looking for functionality as well as specialization in their tableware.

bowl of ramen

Buy bowls for Ramen

The best handcrafted works to enjoy Japanese cuisine and surprise your guests with a beautiful handmade bowl.

You can see the incredible work of talented ceramists here.


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