National Ramen Day
April 4
About National Ramen Day
National Ramen Day is celebrated on 4 April each year in the United States, paying tribute to one of the world’s most beloved and versatile noodle dishes. From steaming bowls of tonkotsu in specialist restaurants to the iconic instant packets that have sustained students and adventurers alike, ramen holds a unique place in global food culture.
How to Celebrate National Ramen Day
Whether you are a ramen connoisseur or a total newcomer, 4 April is the perfect excuse to indulge. Here are ways to mark the day:
- Visit a local ramen restaurant — Seek out an authentic ramen shop near you and try a style you have never ordered before. If you usually go for shoyu (soy sauce-based), try tonkotsu (pork bone broth) or miso. Many restaurants offer seasonal specials worth exploring.
- Make ramen from scratch at home — The process of making a proper ramen broth is a deeply rewarding culinary project. A tonkotsu broth requires simmering pork bones for 12 to 18 hours, while a shio (salt-based) broth can be prepared more quickly. Fresh noodles, a soft-boiled egg, and carefully prepared toppings complete the bowl.
- Elevate your instant ramen — There is no shame in instant ramen, and the packet can serve as an excellent canvas. Add a soft-boiled egg, sliced spring onions, sesame oil, chilli flakes, a handful of greens, or leftover protein. The difference a few simple additions make is remarkable.
- Host a ramen tasting party — Invite friends to bring different styles or brands of ramen — both instant and restaurant-made — for a side-by-side comparison. Rate each one and crown a winner. It is a fun, inexpensive way to socialise. If you enjoy food-themed celebrations, National Sourdough Day also falls on 1 April, making early April a feast for food lovers.
- Explore regional ramen styles — Japan alone has dozens of regional variations, from Sapporo’s miso ramen to Hakata’s creamy tonkotsu. Research these styles and challenge yourself to try or cook one you have never had before.
- Learn about ramen’s history — Watch a documentary, read a book (such as George Solt’s The Untold History of Ramen), or visit the CUPNOODLES Museum website to learn about Momofuku Ando’s invention of instant noodles.
- Support a small ramen business — Many independent ramen shops operate on thin margins. Use National Ramen Day to support a local independent restaurant rather than a chain.
- Share your ramen on social media — Photograph your bowl (top-down shots work best), share the recipe or restaurant name, and tag your posts with the official hashtags to join the national celebration.
What is National Ramen Day?
National Ramen Day is an annual food observance that celebrates ramen in all its forms — from traditional Japanese restaurant ramen with slow-cooked broth and handmade noodles, to the instant ramen packets that became a global staple after Momofuku Ando’s 1958 invention. The day unites food enthusiasts, home cooks, and professional chefs in appreciating a dish that transcends cultures, price points, and culinary skill levels.
When is National Ramen Day?
National Ramen Day falls on Saturday, 4 April 2026. It is observed annually on 4 April — a fixed date that does not change from year to year.
The History of National Ramen Day
National Ramen Day as a dedicated observance appears to have gained traction around 2017, though its specific founder is not formally documented. The day was created to celebrate the dish that has become one of the most consumed foods on the planet.
Ramen’s own history, however, is rich and well documented. The dish originated in China, where wheat noodles in broth were a common meal. Chinese immigrants brought noodle-making techniques to Japan in the late 19th century, where the dish was initially known as “Chinese soba.” Japanese cooks adapted the recipes to local tastes, developing the regional broths and toppings that define ramen today.
The transformative moment came in 1958, when Momofuku Ando — a Taiwanese-Japanese businessman — invented instant noodles. Working in a small shed behind his home in Ikeda, Osaka, Ando spent an entire year experimenting before hitting on the key technique: flash-frying cooked noodles to remove moisture, allowing them to be rehydrated quickly with boiling water. His product, Chikin Ramen, was initially considered a luxury item — priced at six times the cost of fresh noodles — but it rapidly became a household staple. In 1971, Ando followed up with Cup Noodles, inspired by watching Americans break noodles in half and eat them from paper cups. The invention sparked a global phenomenon: by 2009, worldwide demand had reached 98 billion servings annually. A Japanese poll in 2000 ranked instant noodles as the single most important invention of the 20th century.
Fun Facts About National Ramen Day
- Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen in 1958 after a year of experiments in a shed behind his home in Ikeda, Osaka.
- A 2000 Japanese poll ranked instant noodles as the most important invention of the 20th century.
- Worldwide demand for instant noodles exceeded 98 billion servings by 2009 and continues to grow.
- Japan has four regional ramen styles considered “classic”: shoyu (soy sauce), miso, shio (salt), and tonkotsu (pork bone).
- The CUPNOODLES Museum in Yokohama, Japan, attracts over a million visitors annually and lets guests create their own custom Cup Noodles.
- The longest ramen noodle ever made measured over 183 metres, set as a world record in 2017.
Why National Ramen Day Matters
Ramen occupies a rare position in the food world: it is simultaneously a humble everyday meal and a canvas for extraordinary culinary artistry. A packet of instant ramen costs pennies and can feed a hungry person in minutes. A bowl of artisanal ramen at a top restaurant represents hours of preparation and years of skill development. National Ramen Day celebrates this entire spectrum — from convenience to craftsmanship — and reminds us that great food does not need to be expensive or exclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Ramen Day?
National Ramen Day is an annual observance on 4 April that celebrates ramen noodles in all forms — from instant packets to handcrafted restaurant bowls.
When is National Ramen Day in 2026?
National Ramen Day falls on Saturday, 4 April 2026.
What is the best type of ramen to try first?
If you are new to restaurant ramen, tonkotsu (pork bone broth) is a popular starting point thanks to its rich, creamy flavour. Shoyu (soy sauce-based) is lighter and lets you taste the individual toppings more distinctly. For something bold, try spicy miso ramen.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best ramen photos on social media with #NationalRamenDay and #RamenDay2026. Tag your favourite ramen restaurant, share a recipe, or challenge a friend to try making ramen from scratch!
Related Awareness Days
- National Sourdough Day — Celebrated on 1 April, another food-focused day honouring a beloved staple with deep cultural roots.
- National Brunch Month — April is also National Brunch Month, making it a great time for food lovers to explore new culinary experiences.
- National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day — Observed on 2 April, another celebration of a simple, beloved food that transcends generations.
Links
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
