Ramen: Japanese Noodles and Small Dishes - Nilsson Tove

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Picture a generous bowl filled to the brim with steaming hot broth.

Its perfect surface intricately patterned with tiny droplets of oil; the flavour enhanced with algae, miso, dried fungi and fish sauce. Thin and springy noodles nestle in the base, while a sashimi-marinated cut of pork or chicken sits atop, the meat meltingly tender after up to 48 hours of simmering. A bobbing soya-marinated egg and an array of toppings add a colourful finishing touch.

Tove Nilsson is a ramen addict. Every time she travels abroad, she is looking for her next ramen fix - a large bowl filled to the brim with steaming hot broth that's been simmering for up to 48 hours; flavours boosted with dried mushrooms, seaweed, miso and dried fish, and many other delicious things.

There are few dishes as addictive and universally popular as ramen. From backstreet Tokyo diners to the hottest