Ramen Bowls and Dishes
In Japan, great emphasis is placed on the texture, shape, and appearance of tableware. The thickness of a ramen bowl's walls determines the tactile experience, and the material should be as pleasing to the touch as possible. This is because often the bowl is held with both hands and brought to the mouth while drinking. And every single element has an influence on the enjoyment.
How large should a ramen bowl be?
A Japanese ramen bowl has a diameter ranging from 16 cm to 24 cm. The traditional shape widens slightly outward at the top and has a flat bottom. It can hold at least approximately 800 ml to 1.2 liters. The shape is ideal for use with chopsticks, but the soup or broth can also be sipped with a spoon.
What are Japanese bowls used for?
In Japan, meals often consist of many different ingredients and are served in bowls of various sizes. Sauces, soup, rice, and other side dishes are placed in these bowls. They can either be combined in one dish or dipped directly with chopsticks. Rice bowls typically have a smaller diameter, ranging from 9 cm to 14 cm. Soup bowls, with or without lids, are similar and have a diameter of approximately 10 cm to 16 cm. Ramen bowls have an even larger diameter. The designs of these bowls are often highly individual and not uniform, unlike European tableware. All bowls, including deep plates, are flexible for serving various Asian and European dishes, allowing you to unleash your creativity.
What materials are traditional ramen bowls made from?
Traditionally, ramen bowls are handcrafted, made from clay, and glazed. In Japan, there are still regions known beyond its borders for their clay ceramics and porcelain, such as Arita porcelain from Saga Prefecture. Porcelain ramen bowls are fired at higher temperatures in the kiln, making the material harder and more durable. Bowls made of glazed stoneware are also of very high quality. High-quality bowls are food-safe, taste-neutral due to the glaze, and long-lasting.
What should be included in a ramen bowl set?
A set typically includes a bowl, a pair of chopsticks, and a spoon. In our shop, you can find all these components in their respective categories. If you wish, we invite you to put together a high-quality ramen bowl set in our shop. The fine chopsticks from Marunao and Yumekobo go well with the handmade ramen bowl. The lacquerware spoons or cutlery sets from Marunao are also suitable. The spoons and chopsticks are made of wood, ensuring that even more delicate bowls are not damaged by the utensils.
Original Japanese ramen bowls at ORYOKI
At our store, you'll find a selection of original Japanese ramen bowls in various colors from different regions of Japan. Typically Japanese, these bowls have highly varied designs. There are very simple ceramics that match existing dinnerware sets, but also extremely unique, handcrafted pieces in white, black, or blue. Even if the bowl has slight irregularities, you can be assured that they were made with the utmost care and were a result of craftsmanship. The most beautiful ramen bowl is the one you like the best.
But even the most beautiful soup bowl comes to life with its content. Start with your favorite recipe and pay attention to the presentation. You can find inspiration in our Japanese cookbooks or with this ramen recipe in our Japan Magazine. Bring a piece of Japanese culture home. In true Japanese fashion, the noodles should be slurped, and the soup from the ramen bowl should be sipped.
Caring for ramen bowls
Some of our ramen bowls are dishwasher-safe. Please check the product details for specific information. Some bowls should be hand-washed. For this, hot water and a mild detergent are sufficient, and the bowl should be dried with a soft cloth.