15 Surprising Facts About Beloved Foods From Around The Globe

4. Ramen (Japan): A Chinese Import Perfected

Ramen, the ultimate Japanese comfort food, actually has Chinese origins. Introduced to Japan in the late 19th century by Chinese immigrants, early versions were simple noodle soups served in port cities. After World War II, wheat imports from the U.S. and the rise of street vendors made ramen accessible to the masses, cementing its place in Japanese culture. Today, ramen is an art form, with chefs obsessing over every detail—from the broth’s complexity to the springiness of the noodles. Regional variations like Hokkaido’s miso ramen or Kyushu’s tonkotsu ramen highlight Japan’s creativity. Perhaps the most surprising innovation is instant ramen, invented in 1958, which has since become a global pantry staple and an enduring symbol of ingenuity.