Ramen is usually made with Chinese-style alkaline wheat noodles , often called chūkamen. These noodles are typically made from wheat flour, water, salt, and kansui (an alkaline mineral water that gives ramen its springy texture).

Quick Scoop

If you’re asking what kind of noodles go in ramen, the short answer is:

  • Wheat-based noodles.
  • Alkaline noodles for that chewy bite.
  • Usually thin to medium-thick , depending on the style of ramen.

Common ramen noodle styles

  • Thin noodles : often used with lighter broths.
  • Thicker noodles : better for rich, heavy broths.
  • Straight or wavy noodles : both are common, and the shape changes how the broth clings to the noodle.

Not the same as other noodles

Ramen noodles are not usually udon or soba , even though those are also Japanese noodles. Udon is much thicker, while soba is typically buckwheat- based rather than ramen-style wheat noodles.

If you want, I can also give you a 1-minute guide to ramen noodle types by broth.