Chapter 3 The Japan Experience
My recent research trip to Japan holds special significance. On my first visit, I aimed to explore Ramen's versatility, its authentic taste, and how Kuma Ramen compares to thousands of shops in Japan. The second trip allowed me to gather insights from a year of running a ramen show and address new challenges.
One of the key questions that emerged during this trip was how to refine and position Kuma Ramen in Berlin. This led me to reflect on the current state of Ramen in the city and how I could contribute to its growth. The answer became clear: make Ramen as popular as possible, creating a hub where people can fall in love with it. Most people experience Ramen through one style, often Tonkotsu. While our old Kuma Triple Garlic Tonkotsu was uniquely rich and heavy, it may have given the impression that all ramen is like this. That's not the case.
To address this, the new Kuma Ramen will offer Tonkotsu in its pure form without additions. We're adjusting the recipe to create a more approachable, humble bowl of noodle soup. For those seeking more, we'll offer Tonkotsu in two other variations. Worry not that your intense experience with us is gone, if anything we are ensuring that the quality of ingredients stays the same. The balance is slightly shifted to appeal to more customers. If you are one of the selected ones, talk to us, we are happy to adjust the taste to your liking, after all, it's your bowl.
My time away from Japan also influenced my preferences, which will be featured in our Supper Clubs. These events allow me to express my creativity, paying homage to various cuisine-mixing styles. This creativity is inspired by the diverse culinary experiences I had during my trip.
The second part of my trip focused on finding inspiration from specific shops. While visiting many, I noticed a cohesive pattern: layers of flavor. These layers are best appreciated with prior knowledge, and I'll be sharing these insights during our Supper Clubs. By understanding these layers, you can enhance your Ramen experience and explore new flavors. Come and experience with me the shades of blue the sky is painting.
