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

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by GoWithGuide travel specialist:Michael S.

Last updated : Nov 25, 20224 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.. Witht 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 stays 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 about 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!

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Akiko W.

5.00 / 5
(8 reviews)
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Hello! My name is Akiko from Gifu prefecture. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I like going out with my family, talking with my friends over coffee at a cozy cafe, reading books, baking bread and cake when I have time. I passed the national tour guide test in 2017 and have worked as a guide since then. I have guided in Gifu city, Seki city, Takayama city, Shirakawago , Mino city and Nagoya city. I have lived in Gifu for more than forty years. Gifu prefecture is rich in nature so you can enjoy the rural atmosphere. Gifu city has a beautiful river 'Nagara river' and Mt.Kinka which has Gifu castle on the top. You can go up the mountain on foot or use a ropeway. The view from Gifu castle is so fantastic. At the foot of the mountain , there are many places to visit such as parks, a temple having a big image of Buddha, and a street preserving the historic atmosphere. At Nagara River, you can enjoy seeing a traditional way of fishing ‘cormorant fishing’ which is thought to have started 1300 years ago. Many cafes have unique service called 'morning service' in Gifu along with Aichi In the morning (until about ten thirty or eleven) when you order a cup of tea or coffee, they serve toast and salad ! Near Gifu park , you can find a nice Japanese style cafe where you enjoy good coffee and seeing a Japanese style garden. Seki city is a small city but so famous for its cutlery. At Japanese sword museum in Seki, you can see authentic Japanese swords! Mino city next to Seki city is well known for its hand made Japanese paper 'Hon minoshi' designated as intangible cultural asset by UNESCO . Until recently it was not easy to guide guests because of COVID-19 pandemic; however the situation is getting better. Some strict rules about COVID-19 have been lifted. Please visit Gifu. I am looking forward to seeing you. Please feel free to ask me when you need information about Gifu. Thank you for reading my introduction.                                                                                                                                 

Osaka Tour Guide - Takashi M.

Takashi M.

5.00 / 5
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Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore the city. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you.                                                                                                                                 

Okayama Tour Guide - Yoko M.

Yoko M.

4.71 / 5
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Hello. I'm Yoko Miyake. Please call me Yoko. I'm a licensed guide. I love travelling. I have visited all the prefectures in Japan. Though Japan has many good places to visit, I hope many foreign travellers will visit my hometown Kurashiki and enjoy their stay there. Because I was born in Kurashiki, and I have lived there since then, I know a lot about Kurashiki. Of course I can show you other good places in Okayama Prefecture and near Okayama Prefecture.                                                                                                                                 

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5.00 / 5
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Hello, I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa. I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.                                                                                                                                  

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