Know What’s in Your Bowl: Ramen

Thanks to this breakdown from Pop Onigiri, we can all finally order a bowl of ramen with confidence

*My most recent ramen fix was Pop Onigiri’s Miso Tonkotsu (pictured here).*

After living in Vietnam for five years, there are few things I find more comforting than a hot bowl of noodle soup. So, after an evening of cold plunging at Sauna House, I decided that a soul-soothing bowl of ramen was in order.

That’s how I recently found myself at Pop Onigiri in Bonita Springs. While I was there, I overheard another customer ask, “I’ve never tried ramen before, what should I order?”

And that is a question I can personally identify with … and perhaps (professionally, even) answer.

Move over, I’m playing ramen roulette

Tonkotsu is my favorite type of ramen and my go-to order. I know that now. However, during my first visit to Japan, I was clueless — I didn’t even know there were different types of ramen. All the variations I tried there were delicious, and because I had no idea what I was ordering, I ended up with something different each time. (Ramen roulette is perhaps the best kind of roulette, every bowl’s a winner!)

It wasn’t until I was back in Vietnam that I started to learn the distinction between the broths. I learned this at a vegan ramen restaurant (of all places). I still can’t quite understand how they packed so much umami into a vegan tonkotsu, and I submit that it was nothing short of sorcery.

Since then (and since relocating back to SWFL), I’ve noticed that every restaurant serving ramen does it their own way, be it with different broths, seasonings, toppings … or entirely new variations. The menu at Pop Onigiri is no different, so I asked manager Chris Lee for a ramen cheat sheet for those who are new to noodle soups or ramen curious.

Ramen cheat sheet

In Japan, there are four main types of ramen. Shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce) and miso (fermented soy bean paste) are described by their seasoning (in parenthesis). Tonkotsu is described by its broth (pork bones). Of these four types, Pop Onigiri offers six variations of tonkotsu.

“We chose tonkotsu [over other traditional types] because we love the depth of flavor and creamy texture that come from slowly simmering pork bones. It gives guests a chance to experience a classic, hearty style of Japanese ramen,” said Chris.

Pop Onigiri also offers clear chicken broth for those who prefer a lighter soup as well as vegetarian options. “Our chicken-broth bowls have a lighter base, with different flavors from kimchi, grilled meat or curry.”

She says the easiest way to understand their menu is to start with the broth, then look at the seasonings and toppings. At Pop Onigiri, included toppings are bean sprouts, corn, bamboo, mushrooms, hardboiled egg, scallions and ginger.

Tonkotsu ramen

Traditional tonkotsu combines rich pork-bone broth with Japanese braised pork (chashu). Pop Onigiri makes the broth fresh each day, simmering it for more than 10 hours to develop its distinctive flavor.

If you’ve never tried tonkotsu ramen, Chris says “imagine a hot bowl of noodles in a rich, savory pork-bone soup with a creamy texture … it’s warm, comforting, and especially appealing if you enjoy a hearty soup.”

Spicy Korean ramen

Pop Onigiri’s spicy Korean-style ramen uses chicken broth with Korean chili seasoning and kimchi. It’s available in beef, chicken, shrimp and kimchi (vegetarian). Chris says that the kimchi brings a little tanginess that balances the heat, giving it a spicy, savory flavor that’s quite different from traditional tonkotsu.

“I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys bold flavors and a little kick.”

Grilled meat ramen

Pop Onigiri makes this type by combining clear chicken broth and grilled chicken, beef or shrimp. Chris says that the soup is light but has savory undertones from the char of the grill and toppings.

“These bowls are a good option if you enjoy grilled meat but prefer a less rich broth.”

Spicy curry ramen

Compared to many Thai or Indian curries (which widely vary), Japanese curry tends to be milder and slightly sweeter. In their curry ramen, Pop Onigiri combines specially blended Japanese curry, sesame paste and house-made chili oil with either chicken or pork broth.

“It has a smooth texture, a gentle kick of heat, and layers of curry and sesame flavor,” Chris said.

Ramen recommendations for a new noodler

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure, that’s okay. I mean, I was in Japan, eating ramen, and had no clue which type I was eating. I was just happy to have a delicious bowl of noodle soup — and I think that whatever bowl you choose, you’ll be pleased with yourself, too.

But just in case, I asked Chris which bowls she recommends for someone who has never tried ramen before.

Her first recommendation is their Pop Combination with grilled chicken, beef, shrimp and scallops. “Its clear chicken broth is full of flavor, without being heavy or greasy, and we make it fresh daily, simmering it for more than 10 hours.”

For a richer broth, she suggests Spicy Tonkotsu or Mega Pork Tonkotsu. And for guests who love heat and tangy flavors, she recommends their spicy Korean options. They can also adjust the spice level on all of their ramen, from no spice to mild, medium or extra spicy.

Beyond ramen, she recommends their Crab Rangoon, Korean Wings and Curry Chicken Katsu.

“If you’re unsure what to order, tell us what flavors you enjoy and we’ll help you choose.”

Back to bowl basics

So, how does the ramen at Pop Onigiri compare to the bowls I had in Asia? I honestly couldn’t tell you for sure, too much time has passed for a true comparison. What I can tell you though, is that Pop Onigiri makes the best ramen I’ve had stateside in a very long time.

Their slow simmered pork broth hits all the right savory, umami notes. It never feels “flat” or like something’s missing. I’ve been known to say that a good bowl of noodle soup (ramen, in this instance) warms my soul … and the ramen at Pop Onigiri definitely lifts my spirts.

“We’re especially happy when guests tell us they felt welcome or discovered a new favorite, that’s the kind of neighborhood restaurant we want to be,” shared Chris. Pop Onigiri has been serving ramen to the Bonita Springs community since June 2015. Their second location in Cape Coral is currently under construction.

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Note: All features are my opinion and are not paid editorial unless specified. Photos are mine and poorly taken. All grammar “mistakes” and use of slang is intentional.