Eating with chopsticks generally can be quite the feat. But eating slippery noodles in a bowl of soup somehow feels more impossible than sushi and other small, dry foods that are easier to pick up. Japanese ramen is slowly becoming one of the most popular foods in the world. It’s flavorful and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a cozy meal that definitely counts as comfort food. Still, many people avoid ordering ramen in a restaurant because they don’t have confidence and lack of skills when it comes to using chopsticks.
Although it seems difficult, eating a bowl of ramen properly with chopsticks can be accomplished. It should also be done as a sign of respect and appreciation for the Japanese tradition and the chef that made the ramen. Plus, eating it with a spoon and fork can get pretty messy and confusing.
Don’t panic if you’re not sure how to eat ramen noodles with chopsticks – we’ve gathered up all the tips and hacks to help you slurp away without shame – get to know all the details in our ramen-eating guide below. This process can seem intimidating from the start, but after some trial and error with several mouthfuls, it will start to feel more natural.
Utensils Needed to Eat Ramen
- 2 Chopsticks
- 1 Ramen Spoon
Step 1
Prepare to enjoy a tasty bowl of ramen like never before. First, place the chopsticks in your dominant hand. Slide the larger end of the chopstick in the hollow between the thumb and index finger, then place the fourth finger against the middle of the chopstick. Now, slide the thicker end of the second chopstick between the tip of the thumb, middle and ring finger so that the tip of your middle finger is under the chopstick and the index is on top. The tip of your thumb also adds support – it’s similar to holding a pencil. Now, place the ramen spoon in your other hand.
Step 2
Once chopsticks are in the right position, align them with one another. Pinch the chopsticks together in the bowl to father up a tiny amount of noodles. Don’t overdo it with the noodles – since ramen noodles are long, you only need a couple for a large mouthful. Dip the noodles in and out of broth to soak up all those vibrant flavors. At the same time, hold the spoon beneath to support the noodles while collecting more broth. Avoid twisting the noodles, which can get them tangled up with the ones in the bowl.
You can also use your chopsticks to place a few noodles directly into the spoon and then lower the ramen spoon into the broth, making for a well-soaked, pre-mixed bite.
Step 3
This step is by far the most fun. Once your perfect bite is gathered, move your head closer to your bowl to get a mouthful with less spillage. Shape your lips as though you’re going to sip a hot beverage. Bring both the chopsticks and spoon to your mouth and get to slurping! The louder and quicker you are, the more effective it’ll be. Slurping is also an effective way to consume foods like ramen which are at a higher temperature.
Step 4
After you’ve slurped down all the noodles and toppings, you’ll probably still have some broth left. Pick up the bowl and bring it to your mouth, consuming the broth as though it’s a drink. The broth is filled with nutrients and soaks up all the flavor. It’s also the part that takes the most amount of time and effort to make. Gulping broth down at the end is the traditional way of consuming it, so don’t be shy!
Some ramen comes with noodles in one bowl and broth in the other which is known as dipping ramen. You can complete this process the same way but just move your noodles between the two bowls. Ramen has certainly come a long way from cheap, packaged instant noodles. This Japanese delicacy is a must-have at restaurants, but it’s also extremely fun to make at home with your friends and family. It’s also much easier to customize to your liking with filling options like chicken, beef and tofu. Remember: slurping is perfectly socially acceptable when it comes to ramen!
3 h.
Newbie
