On a rainy evening in Xalapa, Veracruz, food writer Alan Chazaro discovered something special: authentic, soul-warming ramen crafted by a talented team of three Mexican cooks at RMN Xalapa. Despite growing up near San Francisco's renowned Asian food scene and visiting Tokyo multiple times, Chazaro found himself genuinely impressed by the quality and authenticity of ramen served in this misty mountain town. More than 15 eager diners crowded the tiny izakaya-style eatery, proof that something wonderful is happening in Mexico's food culture.

Mexico has quietly become the second-largest consumer of ramen in Latin America, trailing only Brazil, which has a much larger Japanese population. But Mexico isn't simply copying traditional recipes. Instead, Mexican chefs are creating something beautifully unique, fusing two beloved cuisines into innovative dishes like birria ramen, elote ramen, and carnitas ramen. These creative combinations honor both culinary traditions while creating something entirely new and delicious.

The connection between Mexico and Japan runs much deeper than food. The relationship began in 1888 when Mexico became one of the first countries to recognize Japan's sovereignty, establishing a diplomatic friendship that continues thriving today. This mutual respect has blossomed into genuine cultural appreciation on both sides. In Japan, entire communities celebrate Mexican culture, from lucha libre wrestling to lowrider car culture and Chicano music. Meanwhile, sushi bars, ramen shops, anime stores, and Japanese cultural elements have become beloved fixtures in Mexican cities and small towns alike.

The culinary exchange took root when Japanese immigrants arrived in Mexico, with the first Japanese-owned restaurant, Nichiboku Kaikan, opening in Mexico City in 1960. The Mexican government welcomed Japanese immigrants after World War II, supporting ventures like the Asociación México-Japón cultural center, which now houses Mexico's largest manga museum, a Japanese garden, and a language school. This spirit of hospitality laid the groundwork for today's flourishing cultural exchange.

The Ripple Effect

The ramen revolution in Mexico demonstrates how cultural openness creates unexpected joy and connection. When Maruchan instant ramen arrived in Mexico during the 1980s, it sparked a love affair that evolved into today's sophisticated ramen scene. Small ramen shops now thrive throughout Mexico, from major cities to tiny mountain towns, creating jobs and bringing communities together over steaming bowls of noodles.

This culinary fusion benefits both cultures. Mexican chefs gain new techniques and flavors to explore, while the global food scene gains innovative fusion dishes that honor both traditions. Young people in both countries grow up appreciating each other's cultures, building bridges of understanding through shared meals and mutual respect.

The success of ramen in Mexico proves that when cultures embrace each other with open hearts and minds, everyone wins. As Chazaro celebrates, we're living in the golden age of Japanese ramen in Mexico, and the future looks deliciously bright.