Ramen Wine Pairing: Our 7 Favorite Wines You Must Try!

  • Last Updated - 3/8/23
ramen wine pairing

Quick Answer: Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sparkling wines are popular wine pairing choices for ramen because they complement the rich flavors of the dish and provide a refreshing and cleansing effect on the palate.

Ramen is one of my all-time favorite dishes. And I’d go so far as to say that one week without ramen is simply not bearable! And I’m not the only one!

Because it’s now become one of the most popular dishes worldwide, with its savory broth and delicious noodles. And while it may not be the first food that comes to mind when thinking about wine pairings, there are actually some great wine options that can complement the flavors of ramen.

Tips for Pairing Wine With Ramen

+ Consider the Broth

The broth is the key component of any ramen dish and can vary in flavor from rich and savory to light and delicate. So when choosing a wine to pair with ramen, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the broth.

For richer, meaty broths, a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah can be a good choice. For lighter, more delicate broths, a white wine like a Pinot Gris or a Sauvignon Blanc can complement the flavors well.

+ Think About the Protein

Ramen can be made with a variety of proteins, including pork, chicken, and seafood. So, it’s important to consider the protein being used.

For pork-based ramen, a red wine like Pinot Noir can be a good choice, while for seafood-based ramen, a white wine like a Chardonnay or a Viognier can complement the flavors well.

+ Consider the Spice Level

Ramen can range from mild to extremely spicy, and the level of spice can greatly impact the wine pairing. Therefore, it’s important to choose a wine that can stand up to the heat.

For example, a sparkling wine like a Prosecco or a Riesling can help tame the spice and refresh the palate.

+ Experiment With Texture

Ramen can also vary in texture, with some dishes being more creamy and others being more noodle-heavy. This can be quite fun to experiment with the texture of the wine.

For creamier ramen dishes, a wine with a higher acidity like a Sauvignon Blanc can help to cut through the richness. Or you can choose to go with a Chardonnay to compliment the creaminess.

And for noodle-heavy dishes, a light, fruity red wine like a Beaujolais can complement the texture well.

Different Types of Ramen

Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish that typically consists of noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, flavored with soy sauce, miso, or salt, and topped with various ingredients such as sliced pork, dried seaweed, boiled egg, and green onions. And here are the most popular types of ramen:

  1. Shio Ramen: Shio means “salt” in Japanese. Therefore, this ramen features a clear, salt-based broth that is typically made from chicken (but can also be made from pork or seafood).
  2. Shoyu Ramen: One of the most popular types of ramen features a clear or brown broth that is flavored with soy sauce, and is usually made from chicken, pork, or seafood.
  3. Miso Ramen: As the name implies, this type of ramen features a broth that is flavored with miso paste, which is made from fermented soybeans.
  4. Tonkotsu Ramen: My personal favorite type of ramen features a rich, creamy broth that is made by simmering pork bones for hours until the marrow and collagen are released into the broth.
  5. Tsukemen Ramen: Another one of my favorite types of ramen! This one features noodles that are served separately from the broth, which is usually thicker and more concentrated than regular ramen broth, and is designed for dipping the noodles into.

7 Best Ramen Wine Pairings

Below is a list of wines we compiled that would pair well with ramen. We even included particular types of ramen to best match each wine!

1) Pinot Noir

miso ramen

Pinot Noir’s lower tannin level and lighter body compared to other red wines make it a versatile option that can pair well with a range of different ramen styles and broth bases. Additionally, the wine’s earthy notes can bring out the umami flavors of the broth and enhance the overall complexity of the dish.

  • Shio
  • Shoyu
  • Miso
  • Tsukemen
BEST PINOT NOIR

2) Beaujolais

shio ramen

Beaujolais is a good wine pairing with ramen is that it has a low tannin content, which makes it a good match for dishes that have high salt content, such as ramen. Plus, the wine’s high acidity can also help cut through the richness of the broth and refresh the palate between bites.

  • Shio
  • Shoyu
  • Tsukemen
BEST BEAUJOLAIS

3) Shiraz

tonkatsu ramen

The wine’s dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and plum, can complement the rich umami flavors of the broth and the savory notes of the meat toppings. While the tannins can also help bring out the flavors of the proteins, making them taste even more savory and satisfying. Finally, Shiraz often has spicy notes, such as black pepper and clove, that can complement the heat in spicy ramen.

  • Miso
  • Tonkatsu
  • Tsukemen
BEST SHIRAZ

4) Riesling

Tsukemen ramen

This white wine has a balanced acidity that can cut through the richness and saltiness of the broth, while also complementing the umami flavors in the dish. Also the sweetness of Riesling helps to soften out the spiciness of the ramen, making it a perfect match for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.

  • Shio
  • Tsukemen
BEST RIESLING

5) Sauvignon Blanc

whitehaven taste profile

This white wine is known for its crisp, acidic flavor that pairs well with lighter broths and seafood-based ramen dishes. And the bright acidity and herbaceous notes can complement the savory and umami flavors found in the ramen broth. While also cutting through the richness of the dish. Additionally, the wine’s dry and crisp finish can help cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of the ramen

  • Shio
  • Tonkatsu
  • Tsukemen
BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC

6) Chardonnay

shoyu ramen

This full-bodied white wine can pair well with creamier ramen dishes, thanks to its rich, buttery flavor. Both the texture and flavors of the wine and broth complement each other well. However, it’s important to choose a Chardonnay with moderate oakiness to avoid overpowering the flavors of the dish.

  • Shoyu
  • Tonkatsu
BEST CHARDONNAY

7) Sparkling Wine

sparkling wine champagne vs prosecco

I like this pairing with any of the ramens mentioned above because of its light and refreshing flavor. Also the bubbles can help to cut through the richness, creaminess, and saltiness of ramen.

While the acidity can help balance out the intense umami flavors of some of the ramen. And after each bite of any ramen, it serves as a perfect palate cleanser for the next bite!

BEST PROSECCO

FAQs

What wine goes well with ramen?

There are several wines that can pair well with ramen, depending on the type of broth and protein used in the dish. Pinot Noir is a great choice for pork-based ramen, while Riesling can balance out the saltiness of the broth and cut through fatty pork or chicken. Sauvignon Blanc is a good option for lighter broths and seafood-based ramen, while Chardonnay can complement creamier ramen dishes. Sparkling wine can also be a refreshing choice for spicy ramen. Ultimately, the best wine for ramen pairing will depend on the specific flavors and ingredients of the dish.

What should I drink with ramen?

When it comes to pairing beverages with ramen, there are a few great options to consider. For a classic pairing, try a cold beer, such as a Japanese lager. Alternatively, you can opt for a refreshing sake, or experiment with wine pairings such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Sparkling wine depending on the specific flavors and ingredients of the dish.

What do Japanese people drink with ramen?

Japanese people often drink beer with ramen, as it is a classic and refreshing pairing. Specifically, many choose to drink light and crisp Japanese lagers, such as Asahi or Sapporo. However, green tea and other non-alcoholic beverages may also be consumed with ramen depending on personal preference.

What is the best combination with ramen noodles?

The best combination with ramen noodles depends on personal preference and the type of ramen being served. However, some classic pairings include sliced pork, soft boiled eggs, green onions, seaweed, and bamboo shoots. Vegetables such as spinach, bean sprouts, and mushrooms can also be great additions to the dish. The broth and protein used in the ramen will also play a significant role in determining the best combination.

Summary

In conclusion, when it comes to wine pairing with ramen, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

When choosing a wine to pair with ramen, consider the flavor profile of the broth, the protein being used, the spice level, and the texture of the dish. By experimenting with different wines, you can find the perfect pairing to enhance your ramen experience.

Other Food Pairing Articles

More Posts

best lunch in napa

12 Best Lunch Spots In Napa

Best Lunch In Napa – Our 12 Favorite Spots! Lunch is a must when you’re out wine tasting! Whether you’re in the mood for a

Böen Pinot Noir

Böen Pinot Noir – WineO Mark Review

Böen Pinot Noir – WineO Mark Review Wine Stats Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Vintage: 2021 ABV: 14.6% Wine Region: California Flavor Profile: Cherry, raspberry, blackberry,