Encyclopedia / Culture
Culture · Theme 48 / 50
Karame: context matters
カラメ
In a Jiro-style topping call, karame usually requests stronger seasoning. That is different from asking for extra chili heat.
What to notice
Ordinary karai and karame can relate to spiciness in other contexts. The setting and the shop’s options matter.
Try it with your next bowl
Practice the topping call with only the options you actually want. Ask about size before ordering extras.
Totti · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source & details
The original description records a small pork ramen order with yasai, karame and less garlic at Ramen Jiro Ikebukuro. The stronger-seasoning request is documented by the source, not inferred from the soup’s color.
Read further
Independent editorial explanation and tasting suggestions. These sources provide terminology or background; they do not certify the ingredients of a shop’s dish.
Edited 18 October 2026 · Subject-specific images; photographs and AI illustrations are labelled separately.