GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Ramen vs. Tsukemen: What's the Difference?

Michael Santiago

by GoWithGuide travel specialist:Michael Santiago

Last updated : Jul 09, 20245 min read

Food & Drink

Noodles can be found almost everywhere. True, with varying flavors, ramen has been a staple in every tables that you can find in Japan.  For a very long time, ramen has been the king of Japanese cuisine. But Japan has its own way of giving things a twist, thus paving the way for the rise of its long-distance cousin, the tsukemen.

 

Tsukemen 

blog image

Photo from takumen.com 

 

Tsukemen has its own rich and thick story. If ramen is the perfect choice during cold seasons, tsukemen is the savior for noodle-craving tummies on hot, summer days. Tsukemen is being served with a cold noodle separated from the sauce. The way to eat tsukemen is simple logic, just take an ample amount of noodle then dipped it in the sauce that is usually placed in a stone bowl to preserve the right balance of heat and maintain the firmness of the noodle. With that, anybody can satisfy their craving for noodle without immersing their tongues into a hot meal.


Ramen 

That is quite opposite of the ramen, wherein everything on it are served in one large bowl and is best when served hot. Such kitchen innovation is made in order for noodle lovers to enjoy it on any time of the year.  

 

blog image

Photo from tochinavi.net

 

Actions speaks louder than words when eating in Japan. Ramen or tsukemen, the manners stay the same. Using chopsticks is the norm in Japan whenever eating, so do not hesitate to do so. Contrary to other cultures, the louder you eat the noodles and sip its sauce in Japan, the better. It just shows that you are enjoying the delicious meal prepared by the one who made it. So the louder the slurping session, the better. 

 

 

Update: Here is an updated version of this blog so you can have more information about each food type: Ramen Vs Tsukemen: What's the Difference? - Planetyze

 

How to eat ramen in Japan and what not to do!

In this video you will learn you how to eat and appreciate ramen, specially tsukemen, what to do when eating and what not to do when eating any kind of ramen in Japan! It also mentions the ingredients and curiosities about the Tsukemen ramen!


You can click here to watch the video, or click on the embedded video below:

 

This is from the Japan Fan channel where you can learn more about Japan: Japan Fan youtube Channel

Want to have the best food experience during your stay in Japan?

If you’re interested in having a true Japanese culinary experience, then I recommend taking a Food Tour with a local guide. It can be difficult to have the best food experience on top of planning your travel itinerary without knowing the Japanese language.

 

Many restaurants in Japan have menus only in Japanese, so it can be difficult to find the best restaurants as well as order the right items - having a private tour guide from GoWithGuide or joining a private tour group can eliminate those intimidating factors and risks - not only will you not get lost with the aid of a professional local guide, the guide can lead you and/or your group to the best restaurants and help you order the most delicious foods hassle-free. Check out GoWithGuide today and let the guides help you plan the most convenient, fun, and amazing trip to Japan!

 

Aside from our top-rated tours in Japan, we are now also expanding to more countries all over the globe!

Written by Michael Santiago

blog writer avatar

GoWithGuide’s writers are passionate travel specialists sharing unique tips and essential information for global explorers.

Kanagawa Tour Guide - Yuki K.

Yuki K.

4.77 / 5
(371 reviews)
Japan

I was born and grew up in Yokohama. I used to work in Tokyo for more than 20 years. I became the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English in 2013. At first, I had attended a volunteer group which provided a tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens until 2015. I guided more than fifty times in the garden as a volunteer and studied about Japanese history and culture. Based on this experience, I became a tour guide of this online site in 2015. Since then, I have guided more than 500 tours in Tokyo as well as Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Nikko, etc., while improving my tours. My tours are very flexible and I always do my best to customize them according to the interests of my guests. I studied about the places and will provide you knowledge to appreciate them more deeply than just visiting there by yourself or a member of group tours. I like foods and I know many restaurants which provide typical Japanese lunch with reasonable price without waiting too long. Therefore, I am sure that I can provide you the best tours customized to your interests. It will be my great pleasure to help you to enjoy your stay in Japan. So please be my guest!!                                                                                                                                 

Tokyo Tour Guide - Akira N.

Akira N.

4.95 / 5
(333 reviews)
Japan

Hello, My name is Akira. I am certified national guide interpreter. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years. I love walking in the city with no particular plan finding trasures in the streets such as nice ramen noodle restaurants, cafes, funny billboards, and most of all, narrow alleys that remind me of good old days. I will help you enjoying the days in the city fully and making your vist memorable one. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.                                                                                                                                 

Kyoto Tour Guide - Hiroshi Y.

Hiroshi Y.

4.67 / 5
(327 reviews)
Japan

Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .                                                                                                                                 

Plan your trip to Japan

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

Get Started