Kawaii Café Ramen by Amy Kimoto-Kahn is a delightful reimagining of her earlier work, Simply Ramen. With over 60 ramen recipes beautifully illustrated in an anime style, this cookbook is a visual feast and a practical guide for ramen enthusiasts. If you love ramen and are looking for a creative, fun approach to making it at home, this book is worth exploring. However, it’s important to know that this is a reissue of Simply Ramen with completely revamped imagery. Unless you’re drawn to the charming illustrations, you might not need both books in your collection.
I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. While I haven’t cooked from this book, I evaluated its usability, recipe structure, and overall appeal.
Author
Amy Kimoto-Kahn, a seasoned cookbook author and food enthusiast, has a knack for breaking down complex dishes into approachable recipes. Her passion for Japanese cuisine shines in this work, offering detailed instructions and encouraging home cooks to embrace ramen in all its delicious versatility. You can learn more about her work and her culinary journey on her website.
Audience
This cookbook is perfect for ramen lovers who want to recreate this iconic dish at home without breaking the bank. Beginners will appreciate the clear, step-by-step instructions, while experienced cooks can explore more adventurous ramen creations. Fans of anime-inspired aesthetics will find the artwork a major draw.
Mission
Kawaii Café Ramen aims to make ramen accessible, affordable, and fun for everyone. By offering a mix of traditional and modern recipes, it invites readers to experiment with flavors and styles, creating ramen bowls tailored to their tastes. The addition of anime-style illustrations reinforces the playful and inviting tone of the book, making it a unique blend of art and culinary instruction.
Standout and Unique Features
- Gorgeous anime-style illustrations accompanying each recipe.
- A comprehensive guide to four soup bases, ramen noodles (homemade or store-bought), and toppings.
- Recipes catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and seafood options.
- Creative takes on ramen, such as California Ramen and Breakfast Ramen.
What I liked
The artistic illustrations bring an element of whimsy and joy to the cookbook. The recipes are practical and well-organized, covering a wide range of flavors and styles. They are also well-written, making it clear and easy how to make ramen and how much time each recipe will take. I also appreciated the inclusion of unique combinations like Teriyaki Beef–Wrapped Asparagus Ramen and Spicy Tofu Ramen, which inspire creativity in the kitchen.
What I Wish It Had
If you already own Simply Ramen, you’ll find the recipes here nearly identical, with the main difference being the anime-style drawings. While the art is beautiful, it might not justify purchasing the book if you’re solely looking for new content.
FAQ
It includes a variety of ramen recipes, from traditional pork and chicken ramen to creative spins like California Ramen and Breakfast Ramen. It includes the recipes for four bases.
Yes, if you prepare the soup bases in advance, making assembly quick and straightforward. However, making the bases from scratch does take a lot of time and is likely not good for weeknight cooking.
It balances both, providing foundational knowledge while encouraging more adventurous experiments.
The book features vibrant, anime-style illustrations that add a unique charm.
While most recipes can be made with standard kitchen tools, a ramen noodle cutter or rolling pin might enhance your experience for homemade noodles.
Some recipes call for specialty Japanese ingredients, but substitutions are often suggested.
Preparation times vary, but many dishes can be made within an hour if you’ve prepped the bases ahead. There is a quick base, but the other bases can take up to a day to prepare with a slow simmer.
No, nutritional details are not included.
Yes, with options to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
No, but it is a reprint of Simply Ramen with new artwork.
Yes, the engaging writing and illustrations make it enjoyable to browse. The author’s story about becoming a ramen master and her information about ramen are very interesting to read.
If you love anime-style art and don’t already own Simply Ramen, it’s a keeper. Otherwise, it might be better as a library borrow.
Standout Recipes
- Tonkatsu Tonkotsu Ramen
- Chicken Meatball Ramen
- Spicy Tofu Ramen
Best Recipes for Different Occasions
- Weeknight Comfort: Chicken Meatball Ramen
- Impressing Guests: Teriyaki Beef–Wrapped Asparagus Ramen
- Creative Twist: California Ramen
Final Verdict: A Permanent Addition?
Kawaii Café Ramen is a beautifully illustrated cookbook that delivers both style and substance. While it’s essentially a reprint of Simply Ramen with new visuals, the information and recipes remain top-notch. If you’re a fan of ramen or anime art, it’s a worthwhile addition to your collection. Otherwise, you might find it more of a visual treat than a necessity. I personally love the illustrations here and didn’t think that pictures in Simply Ramen are super helpful to the point of preferring them over this edition.
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