Ninjas may be masters of silence, but Japanese diners don’t seem to follow that rule—especially when noodles are involved.
For many travelers, the first encounter with Japan’s noisy mealtime habits can be… jarring.
Some folks freeze mid-bite. Others push their bowls away in shock. A few may have unknowingly started a new weight-loss program.
At the heart of the soundscape?
That unapologetic, unmistakable slurp.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind Japan’s noodle slurping, what it means culturally, and how to handle it like a champ—without abandoning your lunch.
1. Why Slurping Noodles Is Normal in Japan
Yes, many Japanese people do slurp their noodles—loudly.
And honestly, if you joined in, no one would bat an eye. Especially among the older generations, it’s totally normal.
Here’s a reaction from a foreign visitor who unfortunately had a front-row seat to the sound show:
“Surprisingly, in Japan, slurping noodles is encouraged as a way to show you’re enjoying your food.”
As a Japanese person, let me be completely honest with you:
That can’t be right.
It sounds like one of those awkward explanations tourists hear and end up believing without question.
Even on sites written by Japanese people for international readers, you sometimes find gems like this:
“Slurping noodles is a way to compliment the chef or host.”
Oh, come on.
Can we stop spreading that nonsense just for page views?
Based on what I’ve looked into, the historical background behind why Japanese people slurp noodles seems to go something like this.
In Japan, it’s traditionally acceptable to hold your bowl in one hand and bring it directly to your mouth—especially when eating soup.
And when you drink soup straight from the bowl, well… you kinda have to slurp.
Also, soba—one of Japan’s oldest noodle dishes—is made from buckwheat, which has a distinct aroma compared to wheat.
To fully appreciate the scent and flavor, it’s effective to inhale air while slurping in the noodles.
This habit of slurping soba carried over to modern ramen and other noodle dishes.
I’m not saying every part of this is gospel truth, but to me, it all sounds pretty reasonable—and certainly not made up.
Even if we set the history aside, there are still some clear reasons why noodle slurping lives on in Japan:
- It’s usually not considered bad manners, and kids aren’t taught to avoid it. (In fact, some parents worry when their child can’t slurp properly.)
- Japanese soups and noodles are meant to be piping hot, and slurping helps you eat them fast before they cool down.
- A lot of people say it just tastes better that way.
- Some folks even think slurping soba looks cool.
Japan may be an island, but it’s no cultural Galápagos.
As foreign tourists increase, awareness is growing that slurping is seen as rude in many countries.
Some people with refined sensibilities are slurping less—or not at all.
And yes, a few always disliked it to begin with.
Japan might be changing, too.
As for me?
I’m proudly on Team Slurp.
And I have zero plans to convert.
So now, allow me to share with you—just between us—the most delicious way to eat ramen.
Don’t forget to enjoy the cozy charm of the illustrations.
2. How to Enjoy Ramen the Japanese Way
Step 1:
Lift the noodles with your chopsticks and let them cool for a moment.
Step 2:
Lower the chopsticks and gently rest the noodle on the inside edge of the bowl.
Step 3:
Hunch your back as far as it’ll go and bring your mouth to the edge of the bowl, right where the noodle is waiting.
Step 4:
Use your chopsticks to guide the noodle into your mouth—then slurp it up in one glorious go, like a Dyson vacuum on max power.
This way, the smooth, broth-soaked noodles will fly into your mouth all at once, unleashing a tidal wave of umami unlike anything you’ve ever known.
I can’t recommend it enough.
Just one word of caution.
Even in Japan, this technique is… questionable, manners-wise.
Personally, I only unleash it when I’m absolutely certain there’s no one else within a 10-meter radius.
Try it at your own risk!
3. Which Noodles to Slurp (and Which Not To)
Even among Japanese people, not all noodles are created equal—some are meant to be slurped, and some… definitely not.
🍜 Noodles Japanese people slurp:
- Almost all noodles
🍝 Noodles Japanese people don’t slurp:
- Pasta (especially spaghetti)
For some reason, slurping pasta is considered bad manners in Japan too.
So if you slurp spaghetti with the sentiment, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,”
you may be met with cold stares—so watch out.
(Japanese people won’t say anything. But their eyes might.)
4. Other Eating Sounds in Japan
It’s not just noodles and soup—Japanese people sometimes make other sounds while eating, too.
One example is that unpleasant smacking or slurping sound some people make when chewing with their mouths open.
Yes, that sound. You know the one.
Some Japanese folks don’t seem to mind it at all.
But don’t worry—most people do find it unpleasant.
They just won’t say anything about it.
Interestingly, some Japanese people even believe those kinds of noises are more common among foreigners.
But let’s be honest—bad manners aren’t tied to nationality.
Whether someone smacks, slurps, or chomps with their mouth open… it’s a global issue.
The truth? It’s probably more about individuals than cultures.
So come to Japan and see for yourself—and hear for yourself.
5. Judging Slurpers—and Being Judged
So what should you do if you visit Japan and encounter the noisy slurping culture?
Honestly?
Just go with your gut—pun intended.
Whether you stick to your home country’s manners or give the Japanese way a try is completely up to you.
And trust me: no one is going to judge you for it.
Well… at least not out loud.
Here’s something to think about.
what if a Japanese tourist visited your country and loudly slurped their noodles?
Would you correct them? Stare? Say nothing?
In Japan, there’s a well-known story that offers a little food for thought…
5-1. Finger Bowl Story
At a formal dinner party hosted by a queen, a foreign guest was served fruit for dessert.
Beside the fruit plate sat a small bowl of water—a finger bowl, meant for rinsing one’s fingertips.
Unaware of its purpose, the guest mistakenly drank the entire bowl of water.
As nearby guests gasped and exchanged awkward glances, the queen picked up her own finger bowl…
and drank it too—calmly, without a hint of surprise.
Thanks to her graceful gesture, the guest avoided embarrassment, and everyone left the party smiling.
