Jessica and Matthias share a passion for Japan. Between Mannheim and Frankfurt, the two create top-tier ramen soups. TADA Ramen brings Asian soul food into our everyday kitchens, placing great value on authentic flavor.
A conversation with Jessica and Matthias from TADA Ramen
Are chopsticks mandatory, or is it okay to eat ramen with a spoon?
J: Classically, you eat ramen with both chopsticks and a spoon. Japanese wooden spoons are shaped differently and are larger, which makes it easier to scoop up noodles, vegetables, and broth.
M: And anyone who isn't very good with chopsticks is welcome to use a fork!
In Asia, people really slurp their soup. That's unusual for us Europeans.
M: Yes, here that's considered rather impolite. But in Japan, loud slurping means you're enjoying the meal. Traditionally, you aren't supposed to bite through ramen noodles either. But we don't take that too strictly and we do chew our noodles.
Why is sushi with raw fish actually so much more popular in cold Germany than ramen?
J: Good question! Sushi was simply the first Japanese trend to become truly popular in Europe. While ramen bars are on the rise in big cities, they are far from being as established. Yet a really good ramen is a true highlight—especially in winter.
What makes a really good ramen?
The broth is the heart of it. We simmer ours for 12 hours—made from bones, vegetables, and spices. Add to that handmade noodles and carefully selected toppings like chashu (pork belly), egg, scallions, and nori seaweed. Authenticity is very important to us.
