India, March 5 -- My search for the perfect ramen bowls began thanks to a very specific influence. K dramas. One minute you are watching someone dramatically slurp noodles after a long day, the next minute you are in your kitchen making instant ramen at midnight. Slowly, the craving has moved from quick packets to slightly fancier ramen from scratch attempts at home.

That was exactly my situation. I wanted bowls that could hold a generous serving of ramen yet still work for salads, rice bowls, dips and those slightly random meals thrown together after a busy day. Diet life can feel restrictive, so I follow a one-bowl rule. Load it up with good ingredients, and that becomes dinner.

Of course, the bowl itself matters. A cute ramen bowl so...