Ramen Database > Ramen Ingredients > Ramen Noodles

Thick Noodles (Futomen)

Chewy and robust, thick noodles are perfect for rich broths like tonkotsu. Their substantial texture holds up well in hearty soups.

Thick noodles, or futomen (太麺 – ふとめん), are a beloved choice in the ramen world. Futomen are known for their hearty and robust texture. This is due to the noodles being made from wheat flour, water, and kansui, which gives them a substantial, chewy consistency.

The thicker strands of futomen noodles provide a satisfying bite and are perfect for absorbing and holding onto rich, flavorful broths. Futomen are particularly favored in ramen dishes that feature dense, creamy, or intensely flavored broths, as their substantial nature stands up well to these hearty soups. They offer a filling and comforting experience, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more substantial meal.

Related noodles: Hosomen (thin noodles) – Chukamen (regular noodles)

Futomen are ideal for ramen dishes with rich and hearty broths, such as tonkotsu (pork bone) and miso ramen. Their thick, chewy texture allows them to soak up and complement the deep flavors of these broths without becoming soggy.

When selecting futomen, look for noodles that are uniformly thick and have a smooth, slightly glossy surface, indicating good quality and proper preparation. Fresh futomen are the best choice for achieving the perfect chewy texture, but high-quality dried noodles can also be a good alternative.

Cooking futomen requires a bit more time compared to thinner noodles; they should be boiled until they reach an al dente consistency, ensuring they remain firm and satisfying in the broth.

Thick Noodles and Ramen

Thick noodles are an excellent choice for ramen dishes with robust and hearty broths, offering a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with rich flavors. Here’s an introduction to some popular types of ramen that traditionally use futomen:

Miso Ramen

Miso Ramen originates from Hokkaido and features a robust miso-based broth, as well as ground pork, corn, and a blend of savory toppings.

Tonkotsu Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is creamy and intensely savory. It’s based on a rich pork bone broth and uses toppings like chashu and mushrooms.

Tsukemen Ramen

Tsukemen ramen uses thick, cold noodles and is served alongside a rich, concentrated dipping broth and a flavorful toppings.

Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo ramen is hearty and flavorful and originates from Hokkaido, Japan. It uses a rich red miso-based broth and chukamen noodles.

More Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are made from wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui (a type of alkaline mineral water), which gives them their distinctive chewy texture and yellow color. They can be thin or thick, straight or wavy, depending on regional variations and personal preference.