In recent years, there’s been a notable Ramen craze worldwide, and Malta is no exception.

With the increasing popularity of Asian culture in Western media through hit TV shows, anime, and manga, interest in Japanese cuisine has surged. While sushi has captivated our taste buds for some time now, Ramen is fast emerging as the latest contender for the title of everyone’s favourite Asian dish.

If you haven’t tried Ramen yet, get ready for a delicious surprise. Here, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of Ramen—what it is, how to enjoy it in the traditional way, and where to find the best Ramen in Malta!

First of all, what is Ramen?

Ramen is a special kind of noodle soup that was made famous in Japan. But did you know it actually came from China? It is believed that Chinese immigrants brought it to Japan in the 19th century, where it quickly became a hit as a popular street food. Originally called “Chuka soba,” early Ramen was basic with noodles in broth with roast pork on top. It became popular in cities like Yokohama and Nagasaki, where people bought it from food stalls.

A traditional bowl of ramen has three main ingredients. The broth, noodles, and toppings. But there’s lots of room for creativity in each core component. Broths can vary in type and flavour, and noodles can be different shapes and thicknesses. Toppings range from fried veggies to sliced meat and seaweed and more besides. One popular broth is miso, made with a base of miso broth mixed with ground pork, veggies, and chicken stock. Miso ramen has a tasty umami flavour that many people love.

Mastering the art of traditional Ramen dining

Naturally, you can choose to eat Ramen however you feel comfortable. But if you’d like to try it in the traditional way and add to the experience, here are some customs that Japanese people typically observe when eating their noodle soup at Ramen shops.

Before tucking in to your meal, it’s common to say “itadakimasu” (pronounced ee-tah-dah-key-mahs). This phrase is like saying “bon appétit” in French but holds a deeper meaning, as it shows gratitude for the meal, roughly translating to  “gratefully receive.” In a casual way, it just means “Thanks for the food.”

When eating ramen, use the chopsticks for the noodles and ingredients, and the provided flat spoon for the broth. You can sip the broth from the bowl or spoon. In Japan, it’s common to drink the soup first. Surprisingly, slurping noodles loudly is encouraged, as it shows you’re enjoying the meal and cools the soup and enhances flavours to boot. To show you’re finished, place your chopsticks on top of the bowl, not inside.

Where to experience the best Ramen in Malta

For the best ramen in Malta, book your table at TemptAsian. Situated atop the 5-star AX The Palace hotel in Sliema, our award-winning Asian Fusion restaurant offers top-notch Asian fusion cuisine and stunning views of the Sliema skyline. At TemptAsian, we are known for our exceptional dining experience and chic atmosphere, complete with panoramic outdoor terrace, making our restaurant the perfect place to enjoy authentic ramen in Malta.

Known for their dedication to studying a wide range of ancient Asian and Japanese cooking techniques and blending tradition with creative flair, TemptAsian’s talented kitchen team serve three classic Ramen options on our eclectic menu. Choose from Chicken, Spiced Duck, or Beef options, where each bowl comes with a miso-based dashi broth infused with garlic, ginger, bamboo shoots, oriental vegetables, a soft-boiled egg, and coriander leaves. These options are truly delectable, ensuring you’ll enjoy every last slurp of broth and noodle.

What other Asian Fusion delicacies are on TemptAsian’s menu?

At TemptAsian, alongside our popular Ramen offerings, you’ll discover an eclectic Asian Fusion menu that celebrates the diverse cuisines of Asia, from China and India to Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and, of course, Japan.

Our menu features beloved Asian classics such as sushi, curries, teppanyaki, noodles, and more. Our skilled chefs combine traditional recipes with innovative techniques, ensuring each dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of the East, promising a delightful journey through Asian flavours and culinary traditions through each dish.

You can also easily explore some of our most popular dishes through our set menu options, which present a multi-course feast featuring our most requested culinary creations together with a few surprises.

Book your table to experience the finest ramen in Malta

Secure your spot at TemptAsian now to indulge in the best ramen in Malta together with a diverse array of Asian Fusion delights! Be sure to make your reservation ahead of time to secure our finest tables that offer uninterrupted views across Sliema’s skyline. Weather permitting, you may also opt to enjoy your meal on our spacious open air terrace.

Reserve your table at TemptAsian today! Call us on +356 2133 3444 or book online.