Ramen of the Future?

Oct 27, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Students at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a 100% plant-based creamy shrimp miso ramen that recreates the rich flavor of seafood without using shrimp or meat, offering a glimpse of a future in which people with different dietary restrictions can enjoy the same meals.

The innovative ramen was served to visitors during an open campus event at the university's Morinomiya campus in Joto Ward, Osaka, where students from the Department of Nutrition presented their creation.

Using soy-based minced protein and other plant-derived ingredients, the students successfully reproduced the distinctive flavor and richness of shrimp miso ramen without relying on any animal products.

High school students attending the event expressed surprise at the results, with one saying, "It tastes just like real shrimp," while another commented, "It makes me want to study here."

The project was developed in cooperation with Fuji Oil, a food ingredient manufacturer specializing in plant-based technologies. The company contributed its proprietary Miradashi technology, which reproduces the savory umami flavors associated with seafood and meat using only plant-derived ingredients.

The technology allows food developers to create dishes that closely resemble conventional animal-based products while accommodating a wider range of dietary requirements.

The students hope their ramen will contribute to a society in which people can share the same dining experience regardless of religious dietary rules, food allergies, vegan lifestyles, or other restrictions.

The initiative also forms part of broader efforts to revitalize Osaka's eastern districts, known locally as the Higashi area, where redevelopment projects are transforming neighborhoods and creating new opportunities for cooperation between universities and businesses.

By bringing together academic research, food technology, and local industry, the project demonstrates how innovative food development could become part of a wider approach to urban development.

The collaboration is attracting attention as Osaka seeks to strengthen its position as an international city welcoming people from diverse cultural backgrounds, with food emerging as one way to create communities where everyone can participate.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS

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