What is 'tare' and why is it so important in ramen?

Tare is the concentrated seasoning that defines the flavor profile of a bowl of ramen. It's a secret weapon for many ramen chefs, and its recipe is often a closely guarded secret. Tare is added to the bottom of the bowl before the broth is poured in, and it can be made from a variety of ingredients, including soy sauce, miso, mirin, sake, and various spices. The tare is what gives each bowl of ramen its unique character and depth of flavor. Without tare, ramen broth would be a simple, unseasoned stock.