Ramen Manners
Manners to enjoy ramen
Stay in line in order
During busy times, there may be a line outside the shop. In that case, either line up at the end of the line or write your name on the reception desk if there is one and wait to be called. Also, when there are multiple people, it is good manners to wait until everyone is together before lining up.
When eating, it is OK to slurp making noises.
In Japan, there is a custom of slurping loudly when eating noodles (ramen, soba, udon, etc.).
Ask for one bowl per person
At ramen shops with limited seating, we typically order one bowl of ramen per person (excluding infants).
Unauthorized photography
The ramen provided is good, but please do not take photos or videos of the chefs or other customers without permission.
No food or drinks allowed
Basically, most shops in Japan do not allow you to bring in food or drinks from other shops. Put it in your bag and order what you want from the menu. However, drinking water and tea are provided free of charge.
Purchase tickets at the ticket vending machine or order directly from the staff
There are two main ways to order at a ramen shop. If there is a ticket vending machine near the entrance, select the menu you want to eat, purchase a ticket in advance, and hand it to the staff to place your order.
Alternatively, if there is a menu at your seat, you can directly tell the staff the menu and place your order. This is often done after the meal. Some stores accept credit cards and electronic payments. Please note that there are many ramen shops that only accept cash.
First, the soup
When your ramen is served, first use a spoon (a large spoon used in Chinese cuisine) to take a bite of the soup, which is the key to the flavor of the ramen.
After that, you can slurp the noodles and enjoy the combination with the soup, eat the toppings, and enjoy the ramen as you like. You can also enjoy changing the taste by topping it with seasonings on the table if you like.
Don’t stay too long
In Japan, ramen shops are classified as fast food. The average time from when ramen is served to when you finish eating is 10 to 15 minutes. Please give your seat to the next customer.