A Ramen Expert Breaks Down the Three Styles You Need to Know | Gochi Gang

Ramen has become one of the world's most ubiquitous comfort foods. But just like burgers or barbecue in the U.S., the dish can change shape depending on the region and the chef. In this episode of Gochi Gang, Reina Scully teams up with ramen obsessive Keizo Shimamoto for a journey through some of Japan's most recognizable ramen styles. From the history of shoyu ramen in Tokyo, to the rise of tonkotsu ramen in Hakata, to the advent of a special dipping ramen called tsukemen, Reina and her friend Sakura Yagi are getting a true crash course in ramen-ology. But what about ramen in the U.S.? Sakura's father, Bon Yagi, breaks down the history of NYC's longest-running ramen shop, Rai Rai Ken, and trail-blazing ramen chef Ivan Orkin explains his unique approach the noodle on the Lower East Side.
A special thank you to the NYC Ramen Enthusiasts Club, featured in the Rai Rai Ken section of the episode.
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First We Feast videos offer an iconoclastic view into the culinary world, taking you behind-the-scenes with some of the country's best chefs and finding the unexpected places where food and pop culture intersect.

[@FirstWeFeast]

What's your favorite ramen style?

[@Ranerdar]

Never met a ramen I didn't like, but give me a shoyu ramen.

[@mypal1990]

Tonkotsu is amazing. I would love to try Toyama Black Ramen though. Heard great things about that region's ramen soup.

[@badreprint]

I love Tonkotsu, but I've actually mostly had vegan ramen because my past two girlfriends were vegan. There's a place in Grand Central Mkt here in LA that even makes their own vegan softboiled eggs! Personally I prefer Tonkotsu, but that's definitely worth checking out! Also Reina Scully as host is my favorite ramen style.

[@RobertPeters4674]

Nissin Ramen Noodle Instant Noodles Chicken Flavor 😂

[@hanz101]

Yo, real talk: Ivan Ramen was one of the worst bowls of ramen I’ve ever had!

[@EspyLegend]

Ugh I'm upset that the next episode is the last, for a while at least. I genuinely just enjoy seeing you speak about food and learning all these things about Japanese cuisine/history

[@NamaJapan]

There's lots of channels that show Japanese Cuisine, including mine. I can also recommend Ramen Adventures and Aden Films, although Aden does not talk, just show.

[@EspyLegend]

Nama Japan appreciate the recommendations! I’ll check u out 😊

[@Taliasaurus]

Also reccomend Simon and Martina although they talk about more than just food

[@iiNgONYaMa]

They should shoot at home spots for the channel

[@shawnlawton2431]

Its because of corona

[@mcmaggs5302]

If I could eat ramen everyday for every meal, I would.

[@autismo8123]

Trust me you'd get bored after a week or less

[@MAJ0ROCEL0T]

Whats stopping you? You can eat ramen for breakfast lunch and dinner and spend less than $3 a day. You just have to eat cheap ass maruchan ramen

[@evaristoaguirre2544]

Yeah I'd probably eat spicy ramen everyday

[@bryant.nyc0520]

Yo can I join

[@vicjames3256]

@@autismo8123 Ate ramen every day for lunch for 4 months straight. Only reason I couldn't keep going is I had to leave the Philippines.

[@Aitonater]

You're killing it Reina, it's like you've been presenting this show for years.

[@NamaJapan]

I wish I could have her on for an episode on my channel as well sometime!

[@brunoalc5422]

This shows deserves more seasons, Reina is a great hoster

[@lady8jane]

100% agree! She is really good with the interviews and so knowledgeable. Plus she gets really excited and passionate about the food.

[@jaytrock3217]

Not at all them together sounds like a cartoon. They are too a like.

[@TheStormofStorms]

Just want to acknowledge that the transitions and music for this series is solid

[@flammo9]

Is the outro instrumental from an actual song or was it just made for this video? Asking because I want it

[@jasons_encore]

@@flammo9 I got you fam, IDK if I got them all but here's some: Glorious - loving caliber Abity - Mausing trap Honeycutts - the best I can Sebastian forslund - physical (ending song)

[@flammo9]

@@jasons_encore You a real one Jason. Big ups

[@PHCNobody]

I strongly disagree with the music. It's distracting, and feels like a cheesy, generic TV show.

[@UnsolvedParadox]

Agreed, the production of First We Feast in general is on point.

[@RockstarEater]

0:55 first time I've seen a feature on a restaurant that was closing. Well, at least now we know it wasn't for business publicity. 😕

[@banditligroin]

Could be his own decision to focus on his blog

[@ninerfan415]

The yelp reviews mentioned it was a “popup” and wasn’t meant to stay open.

[@banditligroin]

@@ninerfan415 makes sense

[@RockstarEater]

@@banditligroin i have personally documented restaurants that eventually closed. But this was way before.

[@Sheltur_0311]

It was actually because the land owner kept raising rent prices till it was unmanageable

[@sonnidesoto8140]

I am so sick right now and just watching this is so soothing.

[@angrytoast1497]

Watch Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories on Netflix if you want something soothing that is food related :)

[@10isawsome]

Sick, bro

[@WhyDoBabiesStareAtMe]

Me too. This cold is miserable, and these ramen look so damned good.

[@simonhoracek8490]

Same, but now I'm really hungry

[@VagaBohn]

Right? I love how relaxing it is. No drama just people educating us and enjoying good food.

[@jaygeeeeee]

SO to the art team! The animations are so freakin cute and work great with Reina's energy.

[@DrChris44]

I believe he retired and became a special chef for certain occasions for other restaurants. The business is very hard in the states I do know

[@navrotron22]

I don't see why, my neighborhood ramen shop is PACKED all the time. I feel like we love ramen here. At least in NY

[@recoil53]

The restaurant business is hard in general. The one year survival rate isn't great. However if you have the customers and you go under, you're doing something wrong somewhere.

[@hopelesslydull7588]

Generally, the survival rate is so low because so many people who want to start a business start a restaurant. And just jump into it. Regardless of if their community wants their kind of food or atmosphere, whether or not they have good managerial skills, good finance skills or (and here's the big one) the capital or credit to eat being in the red for 4-6 months until they earn back all the money they spent on equipment/leasing/advertising. Most well managed restaurants last several years before going under even if there's not a strong demand for their style.

[@88gschannel39]

I love our Ramen shops in New Haven CT. Anyone I can find, I try to eat and share the experience to have the business grow.

[@davidk7439]

@@hopelesslydull7588 4-6 months? Usually they're in the red for like 2 years.

[@Amplifymagic]

Tonkotsu for when you want rich soup, Shoyu for when you want a lighter soup you can eat multiple times in a row and Tantanmen when you want a dandan noodle style mix up from the usual.

[@NamaJapan]

Let me blow your mind: Tonkotsu-shoyu exists and it's the tits. I think I have some examples for that on my channel

[@godlymajins]

Ship I also light and trending at the moment in Japanese.

[@1.9.9.1]

The Asian dude is super knowledgeable and low key corrected some things throughout the vid. Very laid back and professional.

[@CallMePeePz]

You know, I'm somewhat of a Ramen expert myself! >I say, as I'm slurping my 20 cent Top Ramen

[@ItMeLyndsey]

You do it right you can turn any 20 cent ramen into a 20 dollar ramen! That's what I love about ramen!

[@StevExMachina]

Woah woah woah someone is splurging

[@illogicalmethod]

Sometimes I go big and get sapporo ichiban, instead of Maruchan. Never get Nissin Top Ramen though.

[@jwk4567]

Came for the Hot Ones... got hooked on this show. Simply love it. Cheers from Canada!

[@jerrodp9867]

Reina is a great host and I love her personality.

[@jacobkong4508]

sourcefed days

[@Veerexx]

I'm crying for the restaurant owner that his shop has shut down

[@Jstn8156]

Veerexx looked like he wanted to cry the whole time

[@patrickodonnell9388]

Why did the shop close? Did it not workout? I love Ramen.

[@StevenPGonzalez626]

I hope he reopens somewhere else

[@otogigamer]

He said his shop is coming back but it's opening up in 2020 somewhere else

[@IRVDawg]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

[@martorao1550]

I am loving this series so much! Learning a lot about different foods and building a mad appetite for all the things I've seen so far! Thank you so much for doing this!!!

[@edwinbear7065]

Dude, First We Feast... I beg of you run this show forever. This show is soup for the American Weeb's soul, and Reina is a fantastic host and she runs a solid interview. 15 out of 10, will slurp again.

[@jfikri1]

The joy in his eyes serving his ramen. Hope find fulfillment else where after ramen shack.

[@a14a17k]

I really appreciate Ivan's mentality on the mood behind a ramen. I wholeheartedly agree. I definitely have my 'eat my feelings' ramen.

[@NamaJapan]

You haven't lived if you did not have a depressed ramen that brought you back to life.

[@marahbadrian]

@@NamaJapan I wonder what kind of ramen that would be

[@tokyopulis]

Me: * plays first seconds of the video* (thinking to look other video) "You're a pro slurper." Me: Ok, I'll watch it.

[@FingeringThings]

Three styles are Mr. Noodle, Samyang, and Shin Ramyun

[@xXG3N3TALIAXx]

and instead of adding pork belly, you just add spam lol

[@diggles28]

Ichiban is my jam.

[@DominicRuiz23]

Fingering Things What style is Maruchan?

[@rabbivj]

Y’all forgot maruchan...

[@JoeOG]

@@rabbivj Maruchan is trash. Laksa, Indomie, Nongshim, Sapporo Ichiban, and Nissin are way better.

[@PJSzabo]

this is amazing. thank you for making this.

[@mexijewbear]

This was rad! Always teaching me something new.

[@Nicktrito]

I look forward to this series every week now just as much as I do with Hot Ones

[@greghelton4668]

Shoyu is my favorite. There are two other classic styles: shio and miso ramen (salt and fermented soy beam). Shio is the most difficult as it’s hard to hide behind a strong broth.

[@LadyKubia]

I really loved this!! Definitely has me craving ramen right now 😭 I’m excited to see the last episode for this season.

[@brittanypratten2122]

This was sooo enjoyeable to watch

[@outpostorange9580]

College Students: "I only know one type of noddle"

[@genesis.kts_]

lmfaooo

[@bladex264]

Saves lives

[@mazdaspeedg2380]

That’s awesome the first Ramen I ever ate was The classic Ramen in the Styrofoam cup In the hood when we couldn’t afford anything else to eat. Of course I’ve learned how to make some good noodles nowadays

[@Lisa-gq7qh]

That was such a great episode!! Makes me hungry for some ramen... Love the endings too! I mean the outdo lol

[@lucifel9321]

Im so excited for the next episode !!!

[@artdogez]

Ramen has literally become my most favorite food in the past two years. It's like crack.

[@NamaJapan]

If you want some ramen recommendations for Tokyo, you should check out some of my videos!

[@jeremylee4435]

*whispers*...it is...

[@jaredchacon2645]

Oh hell yeah, i fucking love it

[@Sheenifier]

I grew up with ramen, but only recently have I taken a deep interest in it

[@hutch13pbbc]

"I study Tampopo..." - brilliant

[@DeanVarney]

I really hope this comes back! So many times I've either made or sought out what I've seen here. Reina is great, the transitions and audio are always on-point!

[@Apollo_Mint]

I love your culture. You turn everything you do into an art form. A celebration of existence. ♥️💚💜

[@Sleepless_Sam]

Nothing like speaking broken Wapanese to your chef, who speaks perfect fluent English. I swear that made my spine implode.

[@omyui]

The animators for this episode deserves an oscar

[@tylerandes4483]

I love this show. Keep it up!

[@sujoygupta5264]

Tampopo is still one of the most unique movie-watching experiences I've ever had. And definitely leaves you craving Ramen immediately right after. Such a fantastic film.

[@asian_buddie1405]

“You’re a pro slurper” THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

[@bena3341]

I hate this so much. You don't have to slurp your ramen. It's not a requirement. It's a weird made up thing that Americans think. It's not considered rude but it's not mandatory like Americans seem to think....

[@Excellor64]

Another week on the books!!

[@Mahororin]

Xvyolt Right?! So far this is my favorite First we feast show and it’s the best! But less than ten and that’s it?! Sean, we need more Gochi Gang stat! It’s the highlight of my Tuesday mornings.

[@DarthBalsamic]

Unfortunately, it's difficult to do business in states that have terrible economic policies. New York, unfortunately, ranks dead last on business freedom. There are alot of stores that closed down that I've loved and even saw on KZbin that was profiled that are now closed.

[@DarthBalsamic]

@@nom6758 Indeed. Precisely.

[@NamaJapan]

IF you want to see more ramen stuff, there are great channels out there. Hint: Click on my name ;)

[@whogg0521]

My first watch. Awesome episode!!!

[@mrroganjosh6877]

Really chilled and informative video. Keep up the good work.

[@ggonzale69]

I'm surprised we haven't seen emmymadeinjapan as a guest.

[@severedproxy]

oh yes, hope this happens in the future.

[@NamaJapan]

I am surprised that I was not invited yet!

[@aristothethrone9032]

I hope they do a katsu series. or get some Koreans in there and do the Korean fried chicken gambit.

[@spicefreak4726]

Tonkatsu curry rice is my go to. It's delicious, full of textural variety and oh so hearty.

[@yellofury]

they kinda touched on it for the fried food episode a bit back

[@nattoluvsyou]

I need this show to continue. Please give us season two!!! One more episode isn’t enough

[@tdonachie]

Loving this series! Reina killin it!!

[@ragnarokgalaxy9510]

Gochi gang doesn't get enough love. Way better than the feast mansion. Won't miss another episode.

[@salaciouscrumb3704]

"welcome, we're gonna eat one last time before he closes his doors, oh yeah, she's got a ramen spot that still running since 2000" haha

[@toufonglo3228]

I Love it! More content like ! Pleaseeee!

[@UhOhRockAndRoll]

I love Reina in this show so much. Killing it!

[@MrKentakie]

Definetly Tonkotsu Ramen, I just love the richness. Tried it at home and failed miserably :'(

[@NamaJapan]

There are great recipes out there. What did you try?

[@Gabialoha1]

Tonkatsu is my fave and my fave ramen house is Monta’s in Las Vegas. I dream of their broth!

[@Amplifymagic]

Gabrielle Vasseur tonkatsu is fried cutlet.

[@Gabialoha1]

Amplify Magic oops... sorry for the typo! I stand corrected. My fave is Tonkotsu. Thank you for catching that.

[@zegrasisinnocent]

That's my favorite too.

[@musique1o1]

I just adore this show! 🧡

[@Viperspider1]

I'd love to try that first bowl!

[@bucketsaremyfriend]

I really hope this isn't a one off season, like Curry Shop. I need more of both these shows...

[@NamaJapan]

There are tons of ramen focused channels out there. Click on my name, for example :)

[@gardenboydon]

Why did the Ramen Shack go out of business? The ramen looks amazing

[@jessiman12003]

I love Reina as a host, she’s always happy and positive. Hope she makes more episodes

[@nikkiabel9732]

The animations are incredible!

[@bryant.nyc0520]

Now I’m starving

[@MegaBrandon808]

the over the top slurping triggers my fight or flight

[@AG.Floats]

Yea that shit is dumb as fuck. Super American Japanese chicks trying to act as Japanese as possible lmao

[@averylfong4843]

​@@AG.Floats Chill out, lmao. If there's one place slurping is okay to do would be Japanese people eating Japanese food in a Japanese restaurant. Also there is arguably science to it, slurping incorporates air, which introduces oxygen and the process of aeration enhances the flavour. People who taste wine, etc do the same thing. Who are you to decide whether ethnically Japanese people (or anyone really) can choose to partake in a socio-cultural norm/action? Slurping in Japan is a sign of thanks/appreciation to the chef. Is policing the actions of others really the hill you wanna die on?

[@averylfong4843]

@@MP-pw1yo A person who slurps

[@MP-pw1yo]

@@averylfong4843 and barf*

[@tjericc9739]

ag.floats XR tf you want them to do then? just ignore the japanese side of their upbringing and just be “american”? “shit is dumb as fuck” but it’s actually just you. sorry that it’s not american to slurp even though they’re speaking japanese, eating japanese food, and MAKING A FUCKING EPISODE ON JAPANESE FOOD... what a fucking degenerate you are.

[@jeremywendelin]

I absolutely love Tonkotsu Ramen. I absolutely love the richness of it. So many layers, complex, like art in a bowl the richness of it. I literally want to plan a trip to Japan and took a tour of the most famous Tonkotsu Ramen houses.

[@41000mf]

great episode

[@TFVverse]

0:00 close your eyes and listen just trust me

[@almosthuman4457]

Love the food, hate the slurp so I get it to go

[@islabee94]

Saaaame

[@francoisjacques]

Great show! Made me hungry!

[@Dudeonwheels]

The season finale next week already? I feel like it just started. We need more of this. More Reina, more delicious looking food, and more guests.

[@88gschannel39]

Dammit! I was like, "Cool when I go to New York I'm going to...oh never mind." Lmao Correction: Rai Rai Ken is on my list

[@julius999ph]

Consider Misoya, Ivan's Slurp Shop, and Kambi Ramen House over Rai Rai Ken

[@busuru7981]

... Ivan's ramen is horrible, rai rai ken is not popular at all because it's mediocre. Everybody has their preference so you might like it but I'm telling you only whack ramen places are showing up in these videos because they need the publicity since their shop is dying.

[@brandonginkel7323]

“You can eat it [shoyu] everyday and not get bored.” Can’t say the same about gaining weight though lol

[@abchappell01]

How awesome! I want a bowl now :)

[@danielhart4586]

This pops up in my feed as i am eating a bowl of ramen 😆 cheers 🍜🍜

[@sttroner]

Your style is good, but it's no match for my flying crane style... 🤣

[@fatimaherrera2941]

LMAOOOOOO I HATE YOU FOR THIS 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I died

[@dirtnapz996]

If this ramen was truly THAT good, why did it close it's doors?

[@buzzkill753]

Taxes and rent in NYC is insane.

[@Loasdrums2]

It was a popup restaurant. It was never meant to stay open long term.

[@oliverseddon7950]

Really hope we get another season of Gochi Gang! It would be cool to see how Japanese food has flourished in places other than New York, or maybe even how western food has had an influence in Japan!

[@Gabriel_Moline]

Informative, and the people are just delightful.

[@kaytee3364]

Slurp slurp slurp

[@KontryBoy706]

Naruto got me into Ramen... loved it ever since the first time I had it

[@AlexChipman]

I am glad I lived long enough to see all my favorite things become mainstream and trendy like EDM, Techno, and now Ramen

[@timbrawdy2249]

This show makes me so hungry and I really need a Japanese friend to help me find good food like this!

[@Misszx14]

The cook sounds A LOT like Jun, aka Rachel’s husband

[@jpaxonreyes]

Hey! He DOES!

[@Misszx14]

Jonathan Reyes I’m so glad I’m not alone haha I absolutely love them 🌸✨✨

[@808tweaker]

The reason Americans like the Ton-Katsu more is because it's creamy and fatty and they like bacon

[@captainsubtext7446]

tonkotsu...

[@808tweaker]

@@captainsubtext7446 oof you right, my bad

[@erikryan6306]

this is accurate

[@zodiac909]

Watching this while in quarantine, and realizing all ramen shops in my area are closed...it literally brings tears to my eye :'(

[@DctrGizmo]

I just started watching the video and I already want some ramen.

[@xXG3N3TALIAXx]

"you're a pro slurper"......well hellooooooooo there

[@Postwarinktrap]

I'm so mad this ramen looks so good but this guy has closed shop 😭

[@NamaJapan]

There are tons of shops in Japan. If you need some recommendations, you might wanna check out my vids.

[@MissLilyputt]

Nama Japan The restaurant that’s closing is in the US. It’s harder to find restaurants that make good ramen here. It’s also expensive to fly to Japan just for ramen.

[@robhiro]

There has to be a season 2. This is soooooo good!

[@jlastre]

I saw _Tampopo_ when it came out in 1985. I was still at university at 21 years old. Great movie. Now many years later I’m trying to make my own ramen.

[@oscarthagrouch2929]

When she says she’s a pro slurper.

[@jennyralphs]

Her hair falling near the bowl is stressing me out so much

[@terileebruyere3482]

The mom in me wanted to tie it back for her, like I have to do with my daughter whenever she eats XD

[@NamaJapan]

That's why most ramen shops in Japan actually provide hair bands for their guests.

[@jsun5558]

Petition for more episodes! Love the animations. ❤️❤️❤️

[@lindseys3708]

At about 12:20 he talked about the next step in Ramen in the USA being about regional varieties, and it made me think about our chefs at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock. The broth and noodles are the same, but the veggies and extras change every time based on what is growing in their own garden ❤

[@daschawk]

While I understand the custom, and I whole heartily respect it, I really DISLIKE the slurping aspect of the dishes. I think that's because I value my peace and quiet too much. Lol. Okay. I'm being a brat.

[@hinewdaniel2998]

Cool story.

[@meticulousroomba2981]

"That was a good slurp" "Thank you" "Your a pro slurper" She blow for free in sketchy alleys

[@AleanaFernando]

One of the best series you guys have produced on FWF! Reina really killed it here and hope to see more from her :3 Hope you guys can make a similar series with other cuisines like Korean or Filipino

[@mlggamer5296]

I love Ramen! Looks to me my favourite style is definitely Shoujo (I think that's how it's spelt) because the sauce looks so tasty. Literally mouth watering

[@Litdaze92]

Didn't this place closed in March 31 of 2019?

[@GodinSpace]

They said that in the beginning

[@dizzysic2587]

Y'all know how recording and producing video works, right? This wasn't recorded today..

[@Litdaze92]

@@dizzysic2587 I do know but almost the end of the year and they post this.

[@chreesdood]

Naruto?

[@bryant.nyc0520]

C h r e e s T h e D o o d yes

[@22thevoice22]

Narutomaki. It's similar to fake crab and made of white fish.

[@laboon344]

Kakashi sensei ?

[@Panther-kid]

You are now learning his name is "Fish-cake Spiral"

[@dang3rdays]

I know I said this on a different episode, but damn the end credits song give me nostalgia?? ❤ I'm really enjoying this show!

[@thundermincz]

first time watching this channel and you two are great hosts for the channel