Few dishes are as heartwarming and comforting as a hot bowl of ramen on a chilly day. Although the Japanese noodle soup has been around for centuries, it has taken the world by storm — and no, we're not talking about the instant noodle cups you survived on during college. Since its inception in the 1800s, ramen has taken several forms, with dozens of regional varieties around Japan, all featuring various toppings, broths, condiments, and seasonings.