Brits admit that they are too reserved and embarrassed to ‘slurp’ ramen, the traditional way to enjoy the popular Japanese broth dish, in new research released by The City Kitchen.

More than two thirds (67%) of GB adults stated that they would not slurp ramen noodles in the traditional way even after being made aware of the benefits. Nearly half of all respondents (48%) admitted one of the reasons they’d be less likely to slurp their ramen is because they would be too embarrassed, and more than a third (39%) thought that it would be an unusual thing to do in the UK.

Slurping ramen is thought to be the best way to enjoy ramen as it aerates the noodles, helping the flavours of the ramen fully develop in the mouth and also improves the taste of the broth. By eating quickly in this way, the meal can also be enjoyed while it is hot.

The new YouGov research with more than 2,000 GB adults was commissioned by chilled ready meal range The City Kitchen to mark the launch of its new Chicken Miso Ramen and a campaign to encourage Brits to slurp their ramen.

A The City Kitchen spokesperson said: “It might be a little messy and loud but slurping ramen really is the best way to appreciate all the flavours of this amazing dish. We encourage anyone to give slurping a try!”

Nearly half of the research respondents (44%) would be put off slurping by the ‘unpleasant sound’, and nearly the same amount (42%) thought it would be too messy. Peer pressure helps, as more than a third (43%) admitted they would slurp if the people they were eating with were also slurping.

The research also revealed:

  • Over two thirds (71%) did not know that ramen is traditionally slurped.
  • More than three quarters (86%) of full time students were aware of ramen, while only 15% of retirees had heard of the noodle broth.
  • While those aged 18 – 24 (79%) were the most likely to know about ramen, they were also among the least likely to slurp ramen in public (such as at a restaurant), with just 16% stating they would be likely to give slurping in public a go.
According to recent research, ramen is the most popular lunch choice in Japan(1) and the dish is rapidly rising in popularity in the UK. It was even revealed recently by fashion title Harper’s Bazaar as the ‘most fashionable food of 2018’.(2)

The new City Kitchen Chicken Ramen Bowl is based on a traditional Japanese recipe of Hokkaido Miso Broth and features Udon noodles and Choi sum. To help encourage ramen fans to slurp their noodles, The City Kitchen has launched a new competition in partnership with popular YouTuber, xAmeliax (Amelia Goodhead), to win a £600 Secret Escapes voucher. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants are being asked to submit a video of themselves slurping ramen.

The City Kitchen is a travel-inspired chilled ready meal range available exclusively in Tesco. In addition to the Chicken Miso Ramen, a Vegetable Gyoza & Shiitake Broth, Sweet and Sour Passion Fruit Chicken, Thai Chilli Sticky Pork, Brazilian Coconut Chicken and a vegetarian Paneer Butter Masala have also been added to the range.

Lucy Verity, culinary development chef at The City Kitchen commented: “We take inspiration from cuisines around the world to create our dishes and our new meals are no exception. As one of Japan’s most popular dishes, we are really proud to bring our take on ramen to UK foodies.”