Noodle Slurping

This article was written by Hanna Vasquez.

In the United States, slurping noodles such as ramen is discouraged. It is seen as disrespectful, with many being careful so as to not slurp their noodles. However, slurping ramen in Japan is perfectly normal. In fact, it is seen as appreciating the food. Why is there such a difference?

A key reason why Americans avoid slurping ramen is because they do not want to disrespect Japanese culture. Since there is no concrete ramen-eating etiquette, some may be wary of their decisions when it comes to eating ramen. In general, eating loudly is frowned upon. Chewing loudly and making unnecessary sounds are things kids are taught to not do. People apply this rule to ramen, too. Since slurping is loud, it is also seen as bad manners, causing Americans to silently eat their ramen.

So, why is it okay in Japan? The act of slurping noodles dates back to the Edo period. During this era, soba, also known as buckwheat noodles, became a popular dish. Because the taste was so subtle, many began to slurp these noodles with air to enhance the flavor. Slurping became natural and, therefore, was done when eating other noodles like ramen. While slurping is okay in Japan, doing it too loud is something you should still avoid. 

There is really only one rule to follow: eat ramen quickly! The slower you eat, the more time the noodles have to soak into the broth. The noodles will become bloated, making your eating experience less appetizing. This is also an unspoken rule in Japanese ramen restaurants but for additional reasons. Eating fast will not only make your food taste better, but it will also let other customers eat ramen, too. Many ramen restaurants in Japan are small, making seating limited. Long lines are also common, so taking your time can frustrate other customers. So, feel free to enjoy your ramen as much as you want. Just be careful and eat it swiftly.