In ancient Japan, kitchens were designed to be functional and practical, with a focus on simplicity and minimalism. These kitchens often featured a built-in pasta drying rack, which was used to dry homemade noodles. The drying rack was typically made of bamboo or wood and had multiple levels to accommodate a large quantity of noodles. The Japanese were known for their love of noodles, and they would make various types, such as udon, soba, and ramen. The noodles would be hung on the drying rack to dry naturally, ensuring that they had the perfect texture and flavor. The ancient Japanese kitchen was a place of culinary precision, where cooks would use fresh ingredients and traditional techniques to create delicious noodle dishes.
