Essential Side Dishes to Pair with Your Ramen

The Art of Accompaniment in Japan

Japanese culinary culture rests on a fundamental principle: harmony. A traditional Japanese meal is not a succession of dishes served one after another, but a whole conceived as a unified ensemble where each element dialogues with the others. This philosophy, called "ichiju sansai" (one soup, three sides), has been at the heart of Japanese gastronomy for centuries.

In the context of ramen, side dishes serve a precise purpose. Since ramen is a hot, liquid, umami-rich dish, accompaniments provide necessary contrasts: crunch against the softness of noodles, cold against the heat of broth, acidity against the richness of the tare. Each bite of a side dish refreshes the palate and prepares the next, creating a pleasant tasting rhythm.

In Japan, ordering ramen alone is perfectly acceptable, but adding a plate of gyoza or a portion of edamame is a common practice that transforms a quick meal into a complete gastronomic experience. At Yoki Ramen, we offer a selection of traditional accompaniments to recreate this authentic experience in Melun.

Gyoza: Essential Japanese Dumplings

Gyoza are without question the most popular accompaniment for a bowl of ramen. These Japanese dumplings, inspired by Chinese jiaozi, arrived in Japan after World War II when Japanese soldiers returning from Manchuria brought back the recipe. Japanese cooks adapted it by using thinner dough and favouring the "yaki-gyoza" cooking method: pan-fried on one side then steamed.

The traditional filling of Japanese gyoza consists of minced pork, finely shredded Chinese cabbage, garlic, fresh ginger and spring onions. The mixture is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and white pepper. The dough, rolled very thin, is folded into a half-moon shape with decorative pleats on top. Cooking is done in two stages: first the gyoza are placed on an oiled, heated surface to achieve a crispy golden base, then water is added and the lid is closed to create steam that cooks the interior.

The result is a remarkable contrast in textures: a crispy bottom that cracks under the teeth and a soft top that releases a juicy, fragrant interior. Gyoza are enjoyed dipped in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar and rayu chilli oil. This contrast between the crunch of gyoza and the liquid ramen is exactly what makes this pairing so satisfying.

At Yoki Ramen in Melun, our gyoza are prepared fresh on-site every day, with a homemade filling and expertly controlled cooking to achieve that perfect contrast between crispy and tender. Discover our full selection on our gyoza and yakitori page.

Yakitori: Grilled Japanese Skewers

Yakitori, literally "grilled bird" in Japanese, are chicken skewers cooked over charcoal. Although their name refers to chicken, the term has expanded to encompass all kinds of skewers: beef, pork, vegetables, mushrooms and even seafood. In Japan, yakitori-ya, specialist skewer bars, are institutions where people gather after work over a beer and a few steaming skewers.

The yakitori cooking technique is an art in itself. Binchotan, a white charcoal with a slow burn originating from Wakayama province, is considered the ideal fuel. It produces intense, even heat without direct flame, allowing uniform cooking and giving the skewers a subtle, delicate smoky flavour. The yakitori-shokunin, the master skewer chef, turns each skewer by hand, monitoring the cooking with meticulous attention.

The most classic yakitori include momo (chicken thigh), negima (chicken and leek), tsukune (chicken meatball), kawa (crispy chicken skin) and tebasaki (chicken wing). They are seasoned in two ways: with tare, a sweet-salty sauce made from soy sauce, mirin and sugar, or with shio, simply salt to highlight the pure taste of the meat.

The pairing of yakitori with ramen works particularly well. The skewers bring a grilled, smoky dimension that contrasts with the ramen broth, while their small-portion format makes them easy to share. Find our yakitori selection on our menu at Yoki Ramen in Melun.

Edamame, Karaage and Other Classics

Beyond gyoza and yakitori, Japanese cuisine abounds with side dishes that pair beautifully with ramen. Edamame, immature soybeans steamed and sprinkled with coarse salt, are the quintessential appetiser. Rich in protein and fibre, they offer a firm texture and a mild vegetal flavour that prepares the palate for the main course. In Japan, edamame are as inseparable from beer as peanuts are in France.

Karaage, Japanese fried chicken, is another must-try classic. Unlike American fried chicken, karaage uses a marinade of soy sauce, sake, ginger and garlic before coating the chicken pieces in potato starch. The result is a thin, extremely crispy crust encasing juicy, flavourful meat. Served with a lemon wedge and Japanese mayonnaise, karaage is a side dish you never tire of.

Other accompaniments deserve mention: takoyaki (spherical octopus fritters), tempura (vegetables and prawns in light batter), onigiri (stuffed rice balls) and sesame cabbage salad, crunchy and refreshing. Each brings its own contribution to the meal's balance. To explore all the options, check out our full menu or dive into the world of ramen with our article on the origins and traditions of ramen.

Composing the Perfect Japanese Meal

Composing a balanced Japanese meal around ramen is an art based on a few simple principles. Start with a light starter to whet the appetite: edamame or a small sesame salad. These first bites prepare the palate without weighing it down, leaving room for the main course.

Then comes the ramen, the heart of the meal. Choose your style according to your mood: a creamy tonkotsu for hearty appetites, a balanced shoyu for a classic meal, a robust miso for cool evenings. Pair it with a plate of gyoza to share and a few yakitori skewers for variety.

Drinks also play their part in the harmony of the meal. In Japan, draft beer, cold sake or green tea traditionally accompany ramen. The bitterness of beer cuts through the richness of the broth, sake brings floral and fruity notes, and green tea offers a refreshing, cleansing finish.

At Yoki Ramen, 31 Rue du General de Gaulle in Melun, our team will help you compose the Japanese meal that suits you. Whether you visit alone, as a couple, with family or colleagues, we have the sides and set meals to make every visit a discovery. Explore our homemade ramen and our gyoza and yakitori to start planning your next meal. To learn more about Japanese cuisine, visit the official Japanese tourism website.