How to order ramen in Japan

How to order ramen in Japan

how to order ramen in japan

Most ramen shops in Japan use ticket machines for ordering. Insert cash, choose your desired ramen, and receive a ticket along with your change. Hand the ticket to the staff after taking a seat at the counter. The staff might ask about your preferences, such as seasoning, garlic, or broth customization.

How to Order Ramen in Japan

Using Ticket Machines

Types of Noodles

  • 太麵 (ふとめん, Futomen): Thick noodles
  • ちじれめん (Chijiremen): Curly noodles
  • 細麵 (ほそめん, Hosomen): Thin noodles

Types of Soup Bases

  • 醬油 (しょうゆ, Shoyu): Soy sauce-based, light and mild
  • 豚骨 (とんこつ, Tonkotsu): Pork bone-based, ranging from light to rich, boiled for hours or days
  • 煮干し (にぼし, Niboshi): Dried sardine-based, can be light or heavy depending on boiling time
  • 鳥白湯 (とりぱいたん, Toripaitan): Chicken bone-based, similar to Tonkotsu
  • 塩 (しお, Shio): Salt-based, light and refreshing
  • 味噌 (みそ, Miso): Fermented bean paste-based, heavier and full-bodied

Customizing Your Ramen

Noodle Hardness (面の硬さ, Men no Katasa)

  • Hard – かため (Kata)
  • Normal – 普通 (ふつう, Futsuu)
  • Soft – 軟らかめ (やわらかめ, Yawarakame)

Phrase: めんを (かた/ふつう/やわらか) でお願いします (Men wo Kata/Futsuu/Yawaraka de onegaishimasu)
Translation: "I’d like my noodles Hard/Normal/Soft."

Soup Thickness (味の濃さ, Aji no Kosa)

  • Thick – こってり／濃いめ (こいめ, Kotteri/Koime)
  • Normal – 普通 (ふつう, Futsuu)
  • Light – あっさり/薄 め (うすめ, Assari/Usume)

Oiliness (脂の量, Abura no Ryou)

  • More – 多め (おおめ, Oome)
  • Normal – 普通 (ふつう, Futsuu)
  • Less – 少なめ (すくなめ, Sukuname)

Serving Sizes

  • Regular Portion – 並盛り (なみもり, Nami Mori)
  • Medium Portion – 中盛り (なかもり, Naka Mori)
  • Large Portion – 大盛り (おおもり, Oo Mori)
  • Extra Large Portion – 特大 (とくだい, Toku Dai)
  • Special – 特製 (とくせい, Toku Sei)

Common Toppings and Condiments

Enhance your ramen with these popular toppings and condiments:

  • Seaweed: のり (Nori)
  • Green Spring Onion: 青ネギ (あおネギ, Aonegi)
  • Chashu (Braised Pork): チャーシュー (Chaashuu)
  • Flavored Soft-Boiled Egg: 味玉卵 (あじたまたまご, Ajitama Tamago)
  • Bamboo Shoots: メンマ (Menma)
  • Mustard Greens: 高菜 (たかな, Takana)
  • Red Pickled Ginger: 紅しょうが (べにしょうが, Beni Shouga)
  • Noodle Refill: 替え玉 (かえだま, Kaedama)
  • 7 Spice Pepper: 七味唐辛子 (しちみとうがらし, Shichimi Tougarashi)
  • Pepper: 胡椒 (コショウ, Koshou)
  • Vinegar: 酢 (す, Su)
  • Chili Oil: 辣油 (らーゆ, Raayu)