Why Japan have a culture of slurping noodles?

When you slurp the noodles, it becomes chemically “delicious”

When you eat noodles, it would be better if you slurp it. Because the air and noodles are intertwined. It seems that there is a four-fold difference in aroma between eating with a slurp and eating without slurp.

You can enjoy the scent and taste by catching the inhaled air with your nose.

This is similar to something.

It’s wine tasting. When a sommelier tastes wine, some people contained it into their mouth with air. They make sounds at that time. They are checking the scent coming out of their nose.

Why was this culture created only in Japan?

When I looked it up, it seems that there is no culture of slurping noodles in China and South Korea. Apparently this is a culture only in Japan.

When asked about the culture from people who grew up in South Korea and China, it seems that while it is often accepted as “Japanese culture”, it is often not accepted to Westerners.

The beginning of Japanese noodle culture is “udon”. However, since each udon is thick, it seems that there was no culture of slurping at the beginning.

Rerated article: Is spaghetti originated in Asia? History of Udon and Asia

Since 300 years ago, soba (Buckwheat noodles)has become popular with the ordinary people. There seems to be a popular way to eat it at that time. And it was said to be chic. The way of eating is to put only half of it in the sauce and entangle it with the air.

The culture of slurping has emerged from here.

If you are in Japan, why not give it a try?

It may be not feel comfortable for some people. But if you’re in Japan, and if you are interested in it, I think it’s worth a try. In fact, you’ll find that it’s not easy to slurp noodles. And when you can slurp the noodles, you will notice the difference in aroma. It’s totally difference.
（Of course you are not forced.）

Click here for noodle recipes.
(The image is Easy and delicious Japanese vegan miso ramen)