How to Make Ramen at Home with Sho Spaeth | Part 2

In the second part of our conversation with Sho Spaeth, we head into the kitchen with Francis Lam to build a bowl of ramen from start to finish. Sho walks us through the five essential elements of ramen—tare, fat, broth, noodles, and toppings—and shows how they come together in a beautifully balanced bowl. From infused oils and seasoned broths to perfectly cooked noodles and layered toppings, this is a step-by-step look at how ramen is assembled—and why each component matters. Along the way, we get into the small details that make a big difference: why ramen components are kept separate until the last moment, how aroma shapes the experience of a bowl, and even the science behind the perfect slurp. Sho Spaeth is the author of Homemade Ramen. He left us his recipe for Niboshi Shoyu Ramen. Find the recipe at splendidtable.org. Prefer audio? You can also find the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to watch Part 1 of our conversation, where Sho breaks down the history, craft, and evolution of ramen. Broadcast dates for this episode: March 13, 2026 (originally aired) Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today. The Splendid Table is hosted by Francis Lam and was created by Sally Swift and Lynne Rossetto Kasper. This episode was produced by Erika Romero and edited by Maria Wurttele. Animations and graphics by Delonix Huynh. Digital Production by Jordan Turgeon. Additional production help from Ruby Sigmund. Videography by Max Levine.