The Journal
The Yoki Ramen Blog
Guides, Japanese culture and behind-the-scenes notes: everything worth knowing about ramen and Japanese cuisine, written from our kitchen in Melun.
The section
Understanding ramen, one article at a time
The Yoki Ramen blog gathers our guides to ramen and Japanese cuisine: how to read a menu, what sets a tonkotsu broth apart from a shoyu or a miso, which sides to build around a bowl, and where the dish really comes from.
Every article is written by our team, based on what we prepare each day at 31 Rue du Général de Gaulle in Melun. Whether ramen is new to you or already familiar, you will find concrete guidance here, without needless jargon.
All articles
Our guides and features
BasicsWhat Is Ramen? Definition, History & Styles
What is ramen? Definition, origins, broth, tare, noodles, toppings and the major styles (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, shio): the reference guide to understanding it all.
Read article →- How-to
How to Choose Your Ramen: The Complete Guide
How do you choose your ramen? Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso or vegetarian, thin or thick noodles, toppings and intensity: the guide to finding the bowl that suits you.
Read article → - Broths
Tonkotsu, Miso, Shoyu Ramen: The Complete Guide
Everything about the three great Japanese broths — origins, taste, textures, noodles and toppings — so you can order like a connoisseur.
Read article → - Culture
The History of Ramen: From Yokohama to Seine-et-Marne
From the Chinese origins in Yokohama to the first Tokyo shops, from the post-war years to France and the bowl served today in Melun.
Read article → 
SidesRamen Side Dishes: Gyoza, Yakitori & More
Gyoza, yakitori, tempura, edamame or salad: which sides go with a ramen? The complete guide to building a balanced, generous Japanese meal.
Read article →
CultureJapanese Cuisine: Complete Guide & Flavours
Discover Japanese cuisine: ramen, sushi, poke bowls, dashi and umami. Traditions, iconic dishes and tips for enjoying it in Melun.
Read article →
RecipesPoke Bowl: Benefits and Homemade Recipes
Discover the nutritional benefits of the poke bowl and two balanced homemade recipes, explained step by step so you can make them at home.
Read article →
MelunBest Japanese Restaurant in Melun: 8 Criteria
How do you spot the best Japanese restaurant in Melun? Slow-simmered broth, fresh produce, hand-rolled sushi, a focused menu: our eight criteria.
Read article →
BusinessCorporate Japanese Meals in Melun: The Guide
Organising a corporate Japanese meal in Melun: occasions, platter formats, menus the whole team enjoys, vegetarian options and planning tips.
Read article →
Also worth a look
Keep reading with our pages dedicated to the house dishes.
Time to eat
Reading works up an appetite
Our broths simmer for twelve hours, our toppings are prepared on site and our poke bowls are assembled to order. Come and taste in Melun what you have just read about — dine in, takeaway or delivery.