How to Order Ramen With No English Menu

The ticket machine

Many shops take your order by vending machine before you sit down. You put money in, press a button, and receive a paper ticket that you hand to the staff. It exists to keep the kitchen moving, not to exclude you.

1. 1Insert cash first — most machines will not let you press anything until they have money. Some now take IC cards.
2. 2The top-left button is almost always the shop's signature bowl. When in doubt, press it.
3. 3Buttons below and to the right are usually variations, then toppings, then drinks and sides.
4. 4Take your ticket and any change, sit down, and put the ticket on the counter.

If the machine defeats you, point at it and look at the staff. Someone will help within about three seconds. This happens constantly and nobody minds.

What they might ask you

Some shops, particularly tonkotsu specialists, ask how you want the noodles and the broth. The one that matters is noodle firmness.

• Futsū — normal. The correct answer if you have no strong opinion.
• Katame — firm. Common preference among regulars.
• Barikata — very firm, verging on undercooked to most palates.
• Yawarakame — soft.

At the counter

Ramen is meant to be eaten immediately and fairly quickly — the noodles keep cooking in the broth and soften as you sit. This is not a leisurely meal, and in a busy shop the seat is wanted.

Slurping is normal and not considered rude. Drinking the broth is fine and often a compliment. Finishing every drop is not expected.

A few words that carry you a long way

• Sumimasen — excuse me. The most useful word in Japan.
• Onegaishimasu — please, when handing something over or requesting.
• Gochisōsama deshita — said on leaving, roughly "thank you for the meal". Always well received.

[ADD YOUR OWN] The shop where you got this wrong the first time. That story is the reason someone trusts the rest of the article.