Slurping Noodle!
In Japan, it is perfectly acceptable, and even considered polite, to slurp noodles.
The custom of slurping noodles in Japan has several possible origins:
To cool down hot noodles
Many Japanese noodle dishes, such as udon, soba, and ramen, are served hot. Slurping noodles allows you to cool them down with air as you eat, making it easier to enjoy them.To enhance the aroma and flavor
Slurping helps bring air into your mouth, allowing the aroma of the soup or sauce to spread, which enhances the overall taste experience.Tradition and culture
From the Edo period onward, soba became popular among common people in Japan. Slurping was naturally accepted as a sign of enjoying the meal. Over time, it became a cultural norm, symbolizing respect for the food and an expression of its deliciousness.
Now, let’s take a look at my friends enjoying soba!
Why not give it a try on your next trip to Japan?