Tasting Table says this ramen restaurant is best in Mississippi

Ramen started in 19th-century Japan before becoming a cheap, fast pantry staple . Now, Tasting Table picked the best restaurants in each state to celebrate the "ramen renaissance."

Restaurants focus on high-quality and local ingredients to put their own unique spin on a base of noodles and broth.

Matt Kirouac, writing for Tasting Table , said the list highlights "ramen restaurants that have earned national accolades and awards, combined with substantial customer reviews, unique dining experiences " and his own background as a traveler who loves the dish.

The Mississippi pick might surprise you. Then again, it's pretty beloved. Here's what makes it special and where to explore the best ramen dishes in Jackson

What's the best ramen restaurant in Mississippi?

Zundo Ramen & Sake Bar , 3100 N. State St., Unit 102, Jackson, makes its noodles and dumplings from scratch. The restaurant uses certified Berkshire (Kurobuta) pork, according to the menu. The pork broth takes more than 12 hours to make. Each topping is prepared in-house.

"I was craving good ramen after having lived in New York. I wanted to provide that same quality and authenticity in Jackson, Mississippi, the city I call home," owner Kam Ngai said in a description on the website.

The restaurateur also helped develop Ichiban , which has locations in Flowood, Pearl and Madison, and other restaurants in the Jackson area.

Zundo remains a local favorite. It's the No. 1 best ramen in Jackson on Yelp and has a 4.4 out of 5 rating .

"Customers rate it highly for its vibrant environment, amazing service , and what some call the best ramen they've ever had, which is made with high-quality ingredients. The contemporary space speaks to the style of the East, with a little bit of the Western U.S. thrown in, sporting flowers, Japanese lanterns, and neon lights," Kirouac wrote.

What ramen dishes are on Zundo's menu?

The Zundo menu includes 13 ramen dishes and 13 options for donburi, or rice bowls with fish or meat and vegetables.

Ramen flavors include traditional ingredients from across Japan, with miso, shoyu or mazemen variations.

Kirouac pointed out the tomato parmesan ramen and smoked beef brisket ramen as "compelling" options.

Sugar cravings? Tasting Table names Jackson bakery No. 1 best brownies in Mississippi

Where can you get ramen in,near Jackson, Mississippi?

Yelp ranks Zundo as the best ramen in Jackson, but there are plenty of other places you might like to explore.

Top-rated ramen spots near you include:

• Kyuramen x TBaar in Jackson

• Xian Ramen in Flowood

• Saltine in Jackson

• Thai Zapp Thai & Ramen in Flowood

• Drunken Chicken in Madison

• Ichizoku in Ridgeland

• Yaki Bowl Mongolian Stir-Fry & Ramen in Jackson

• Yakiniku Korean in Flowood

• Mr. Chen's in Jackson

Bonnie Bolden  is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at  bbolden@usatodayco.com .

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Tasting Table says this ramen restaurant is best in Mississippi