Is it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?
No — it is normal, and for ramen and soba it is expected. Slurping cools the noodles and is taken as a sign you are enjoying the food. The same noise over rice or soup, however, is not.
Where this answer comes from
- Slurp your noodles Slurping is not only acceptable—it's appreciated. It cools the noodles, enhances the…
- Lift small bowls to your mouth Rice bowls and miso soup bowls are meant to be held. Picking them up brings the food…
- Say "itadakimasu" before eating Before the first bite, Japanese people say "itadakimasu"—a brief expression of…
Say it in Japanese
Show the card to the staff. The Japanese, how to read it, and the recorded voice.