Ramen gains global popularity ahead of International Ramen Day

August 25 marks International Ramen Day, celebrating the global popularity of the dish. The date commemorates August 25, 1958, when Momofuku Andō launched the first instant noodles.

In Chile, ramen has transitioned from a niche food to a mass-market staple, driven by delivery services, youth interest in Japanese and Korean pop culture, and its perception as a nutritious, comforting meal. This trend is reshaping commercial food courts, such as the new multi-level space at Parque Arauco Kennedy, which features brands like Ramen One.

In Mexico, the dish is seeing growth through fusion concepts. Restaurants like Wok’ando combine Asian inspirations from Japan, China, Thailand, and Korea with Mexican ingredients, offering diverse options including vegan ramen and specialized miso-udon.