By now, most people have at least heard of ramen. But if your only experience with it is a quick instant meal from your college days, you’re in for a real treat. Traditional Japanese ramen is a world apart from those packets—and it’s one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods.
What Is Authentic Japanese Ramen?
Ramen in Japan is more than just a noodle soup—it’s a deeply satisfying, balanced bowl made with wheat noodles served in a flavorful, slow-simmered broth. Whether it’s pork-based (tonkotsu), soy-based (shoyu), miso, or salt-based (shio), each ramen broth has its own unique depth of flavor.
A typical bowl of ramen features toppings like tender chashu (braised pork belly), marinated soft-boiled eggs, green onions, bamboo shoots, nori (seaweed), and even regional extras like corn or butter. The ingredients are carefully chosen to complement the ramen broth and noodle texture. This harmony of elements is what makes a bowl of authentic ramen so memorable.
In Japan, ramen shops specialize in just ramen—or closely related dishes—with a minimal appetizer menu. It takes serious dedication to perfect the art of ramen, and it shows. Traditional ramen restaurants often simmer their broth for hours or even days to get the depth and richness just right.
Regional Styles of Ramen
The diversity of ramen across Japan is part of what makes it so fascinating:
Tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka features a creamy, rich pork bone broth.
Shoyu ramen, popular in Tokyo, uses a soy sauce base for a lighter, savory flavor.
Miso ramen hails from Hokkaido and often includes corn and butter for a hearty twist.
Shio ramen offers a lighter, salt-based broth that lets the ingredients shine.
Each style offers a different taste experience, and ramen lovers often travel just to try different regional varieties.
My Personal Ramen Journey
As someone who grew up near Fukuoka—often called the mecca of tonkotsu ramen—I have strong feelings about what makes a good bowl. Now living in the U.S. outside of a major city, finding authentic ramen can be a challenge. So when I travel, I’m always on the lookout for quality ramen shops.
A Hidden Gem: Ramen Takagi in Orlando, Florida
On a recent trip to Orlando, I had the pleasure of discovering Ramen Takagi, a cozy ramen shop located northeast of downtown. With about 30 seats and an open kitchen, it instantly reminded me of traditional ramen bars in Japan. You can watch the chefs prepare your meal, which adds to the authentic ramen shop atmosphere.
Ramen Takagi offers a focused menu that includes:
- Tonkotsu Ramen (their flagship dish), including spicy and black garlic options
- Shoyu Ramen
- Shio Ramen
- Miso Ramen
- A small selection of appetizers
The menu is customizable, so you can adjust toppings to your preference. When we visited, there was a 20-minute wait, but it passed quickly.
My husband—who’s not Japanese but has developed a refined palate for good ramen—took one sip and smiled. “Really rich and good,” he said before diving in, slurping noodles happily until his bowl was empty. If it is not good, he does not try to see the bottom of the bowl or does not keep silent while he is eating. He has a passion to eat “good things while it is in good temprature” so eating Ramen in good temprature for him is battle with time.
What Makes Ramen Takagi Special?
What truly sets Ramen Takagi apart is their dedication to authenticity. Their tonkotsu broth is crafted using traditional methods that balance richness and depth without being overly oily. The soup is served at the perfect temperature, allowing the flavors to shine. Their noodles are cooked to an ideal texture—firm with a bit of chew—and the toppings, while simple, are thoughtfully prepared to complement the broth.
After my meal, I was so impressed that I looked up their story. Ramen Takagi was founded by a Japanese woman who trained in Japan and brought her culinary expertise to Florida. According to their official website, she is passionate about recreating the taste of Japanese comfort food here in the U.S., and everything is made with attention to detail—from the broth to the handmade noodles. They also emphasize using quality ingredients and offering the kind of ramen experience you’d find in a dedicated shop in Japan.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself in Orlando or you’re a student at UCF (University of Central Florida), I highly recommend visiting Ramen Takagi. It’s a rare find outside Japan—a ramen shop that delivers real flavor, real craft, and real heart. It is a bit far from attractions in Orlando, but it’s worth it. (1h drive from Walt Disney World)
No need to fly to Japan—Ramen Takagi offers an authentic ramen experience right here in Florida. Whether you’re craving tonkotsu, miso, shoyu, or shio, this cozy spot is a must-try for any ramen lover.