ramen RAIJIN | The Japanese Ramen Shop and Frozen Ramen Manufacturer with location in Toronto

Have you heard of the term “noodle harassment”—or “Nu-hara” for short?

This phrase first appeared in Japanese media around 2016. It refers to the idea that the slurping sound many Japanese people make while eating noodles might be unpleasant or even offensive to foreign visitors, causing them psychological discomfort.

There are certainly different opinions about “nu-hara”. But as a ramen shop owner, I’ll be honest:

I hope you slurp. Loud and proud.

Why?

Because ramen simply tastes better when you slurp it.

The habit of slurping noodles in Japan began in the Edo period, when soba (buckwheat noodles) became popular. People began slurping as a way to enjoy the aroma of the noodles. 

But what does aroma have to do with slurping?

The answer lies in how our sense of smell works.

When we say something “smells good,” we’re usually talking about what’s called orthonasal olfaction—the scent we detect through our nostrils. But there’s another kind of aroma called retronasal olfaction, which we perceive when aroma compounds travel from the mouth to the nose as we eat. 

This “in-mouth aroma” plays a major role in how we experience flavor—which is the combination of taste and smell.

When you slurp ramen, you’re not just pulling noodles into your mouth—you’re also drawing in soup and aroma-rich air. And right after slurping, we naturally exhale through our nose. This sends the aroma compounds to your olfactory receptors, where they’re perceived as part of the overall flavor.

Next time you eat ramen, try slurping consciously—and notice how air gently escapes through your nose right afterward. 

You might realize that you’re tasting ramen not just with your tongue, but with your nose, too.

That’s why slurping enhances the flavor. It’s the same reason wine or whisky tastings emphasize smelling through the nose. The same principle applies to sake or shochu. Try it—you’ll notice the difference.

So next time you’re enjoying a hot bowl of ramen, don’t hold back. Slurp like a local. 

It’s not just tradition—it’s science.

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