To many people, instant ramen is a simple (and cheap) snack. But to chef Josh Ratza, it’s an opportunity for delight. Josh is the owner and chef at Setsunai Noodle Bar on Lopez Island and the self-published author of Elevated Instant Ramen. The book is a guide to leveling-up any instant ramen, without breaking the bank. 

In this episode, Tan and Josh shop for ramen at Uwajimaya in Seattle’s Chinatown International District. Josh points out his favorites and shows Tan how to ‘hack’ a ramen packet with simple ingredients. 

Read Tan’s profile of Josh: This creative Lopez Island chef is a wizard with instant ramen | The Seattle Times

Information on Josh’s book: Elevated Instant Ramen

Chef Josh Ratza’s instant ramen hacks:
Pick your ramen style: Brick ramen works best for adding ingredients, but one in a Styrofoam cup or bowl will work in a pinch. 
Try whatever ramen flavors and brands catch your eye.
Keep ingredients on hand to boost flavor (chili crisp, hot sauce, furikake).
Add fat and protein for more nutrients (an egg, sliced avocado, tinned fish or meat).
Use up whatever you have in your fridge!
Paint outside the lines. Experiment with new ingredients and flavor combos.


Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.

To many people, instant ramen is a simple (and cheap) snack. But to chef Josh Ratza, it&rsquo;s an opportunity for delight. Josh is the owner and chef at Setsunai Noodle Bar on Lopez Island and the self-published author of Elevated Instant Ramen. The book is a guide to leveling-up any instant ramen, without breaking the bank.&nbsp;
In this episode, Tan and Josh shop for ramen at Uwajimaya in Seattle&rsquo;s Chinatown International District. Josh points out his favorites and shows Tan how to &lsquo;hack&rsquo; a ramen packet with simple ingredients.&nbsp;
Read Tan&rsquo;s profile of Josh: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/this-creative-lopez-island-chef-is-a-wizard-with-instant-ramen/">This creative Lopez Island chef is a wizard with instant ramen | The Seattle Times</a>
Information on Josh&rsquo;s book: <a href="https://www.setsunainoodlebar.com/store/p/swsbm8y8vjmz5trdq9n9ji5h1iv3mu">Elevated Instant Ramen</a>
Chef Josh Ratza&rsquo;s instant ramen hacks:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Pick your ramen style: Brick ramen works best for adding ingredients, but one in a Styrofoam cup or bowl will work in a pinch.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try whatever ramen flavors and brands catch your eye.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep ingredients on hand to boost flavor (chili crisp, hot sauce, furikake).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Add fat and protein for more nutrients (an egg, sliced avocado, tinned fish or meat).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Use up whatever you have in your fridge!</li>
<li aria-level="1">Paint outside the lines. Experiment with new ingredients and flavor combos.</li>
</ul>
 Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at <a href="http://kuow.org/eats">kuow.org/eats</a> and <a href="http://seattletimes.com">seattletimes.com</a>.

Seattle is a buffet of great food... if you know where to look. Seattle Times journalist Tan Vinh invites listeners to the area's hottest restaurants, road-side food stalls and everywhere in between to find the best meals in the city and to meet the people who make them sing.

New episodes every other Thursday.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattleeatsnotes

Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network

Seattle is a buffet of great food... if you know where to look. Seattle Times journalist Tan Vinh invites listeners to the area's hottest restaurants, road-side food stalls and everywhere in between to find the best meals in the city and to meet the people who make them sing.
New episodes every other Thursday.
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattleeatsnotes">https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattleeatsnotes</a> 
Seattle Eats is a production of <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/">The Seattle Times</a> and <a href="https://www.kuow.org/">KUOW</a>, part of the NPR Network

Seattle Eats with Tan Vinh

A chef and a food critic shop for instant ramen, sharing tips on how to choose a base ramen and improvise a simple recipe with affordable ingredients. 

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