09 Feb 2021
1h 25m

Ep 35 - Ramen Lord's Hot Takes on Ramen Making

Podcast cover

Way of Ramen Podcast

Ramen Lord joins the Way of Ramen Podcast to share controversial opinions on popular ramen topics. He argues that the concept of "kotowari" (fixation on detail) is often pretentious marketing, as high-quality ingredients and techniques have always existed in ramen. He also dismisses the anti-MSG movement as marketing, asserting that MSG is a valuable umami source and that synergistic nucleotides are overthought. The discussion touches on the importance of technique over ingredient quality and challenges the notion that soft water magically improves ramen. Ultimately, they advocate for creativity and adaptation in ramen making, urging cooks to prioritize flavor and balance over rigid adherence to tradition. The goal is to define American ramen using local ingredients.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Kotowari, and MSG

Part 2: Science, Ingredients, and Flavor

Part 3: Technical Myths and Process Efficiency

Part 4: Culture, Community, and Outro

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