Sushi vs. Ramen: A Culinary Tale Of Taste

Make a run for the ramen at this restaurant for a traditional Japanese dining experience and to savour simple joys in life.

“SLURRRP! Ramen should be piping hot when it hits the table”, read one of the illustrative posters in front of me as I sat comfortably and looked around to find a recurring theme of Naruto’s life and his love for ramen.  

It was decided a week ago that for my next outing, I would be sitting at You Mee restaurant in Nehru Place, savouring the ramen dish Naruto had raved about. Oh, and was I excited!

More like drooling when I arrived there as if I had entered the world of character himself - ready to fill both my stomach and heart. 

For the uninitiated, Naruto is an influential manga and anime series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999. Owing to its massive success, the show has a dedicated fanbase worldwide. 

In the show, he is well-known for his unending love for ramen at Ichiraku Ramen’s shop. And like any other Otaku (anime/manga enthusiasts), I had to find for myself the secrets of ‘umami’ (essence of deliciousness) served in a bowl of ramen.

There I was, holding the menu and reflecting on my choice to satiate my taste buds. Am I about to discover the dazzling food culture of Japan? Tantalisingly so! 

While Ramen is a Japanese dish, it actually has Chinese origins. After picking a steaming bowl of 'Coconut Curry Ramen’, I couldn't resist the opportunity to savour another authentic umami-packed Japanese delicacy - ‘Sushi’. 

As I sat in the cozy ambiance of the restaurant with a heightened anticipation for the meal I had just ordered, the conversation at our table naturally gravitated towards food, and how it would be our first time trying this culinary delight.  

Though the conversation was different from what I am about to share here with you all, here's to bide our waiting time. I promise the wait would be worth it just like it was then😉.

A Gourmet Trip

Sushi and Ramen represent two different but complementary aspects of culinary experiences. Served on a plate, Sushis are often delicate, sophisticated and visually appealing. Ramen, on the other hand, is a flavoured broth known for its complexity of flavours, warmth and texture. 

Sushi

While Sushi enjoys widespread popularity worldwide, the art of its preparation demands a remarkable level of precision and technical expertise. Typically it takes five to ten years of dedicated training and practice to become an ‘itamae’ (a skilled sushi chef). 

I was delighted to be served 'uramaki,' one of the five classic sushi rolls (makizushi). The literal translation of the name is inside-out with rice on the outside. Undoubtedly, the most exquisite sushi experiences can only be savoured in Japan.

Ramen

Ramen is known for its distinct regional varieties and rich broths, making it a beloved and unique dish in Japanese cuisine. The dish is accompanied by various toppings such as sliced meat, vegetables, seaweed, flavouring spices and a soft-boiled or seasoned egg. 

It is believed that Chinese immigrants brought the wheat noodles to Japan in the late 19th century. However, they differ significantly in terms of noodle type, broth, toppings, and cultural origin. 

A Plate is to Sushi as a Bowl is to Ramen

Finally, the moment I had been eagerly awaiting arrived! 

The server, with a tray in hand, placed my dish before me: a warm bowl of ‘Coconut Curry Ramen’, infused with coconut milk, broccoli, baby corn, carrot, mushroom, cauliflower, and topped with coriander, spring onions, and fresh chilli, followed by clumps of rice (uramaki sushi) pressed tightly together in a round shape on a plate.

The squiggly noodles - Ramen - swimming in a tasty soup were hearty to look at. The child-like excitement grew twofold when the delicacy was served with chopsticks. I dug in, forgetful of saying, ‘Itadakimasu’ - a Japanese phrase to express gratitude and appreciation for the food. 

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavours and textures. It was a different kind of good, a unique melding of both the broth and noodles, all infused with the unmistakable essence of coconut. 

Next I savoured the inside-out 'Emperor Roll Sushis,' generously filled with avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, and mango. Chefs at You Mee have artfully infused a modern twist into their sushi rolls (uramaki), maintaining the use of traditional ingredients while presenting them in a contemporary style. 

The vibrant colours, enticing aromas, and impeccable presentation were nothing short of spectacular. The merging of all the ingredients with each bite produced a succulent fusion of flavours and taste. However, I found that the experience was most enjoyable when savouring the sushi in a single, delightful bite. 

Every bite seemed to satisfy my hunger. While I had initially sought Sushi to savour Japan's cultural essence, it was the Ramen that truly exceeded my expectations. On a positive note to come back for more, I left with a full belly, a happy heart, and a newfound appreciation for the power of food. 

Where: You Mee, Epicuria Mall, Nehru Place, South Delhi

Price: Rs. 1200 for two (approx.)