Ramen vocabulary you can use
Learn a few menu and ordering words in context.
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 醤油 / しょうゆ | shoyu | Soy-sauce seasoning |
| 塩 / しお | shio | Salt seasoning |
| 味噌 / みそ | miso | Miso seasoning |
| 豚骨 / とんこつ | tonkotsu | Pork-bone broth |
| 味玉 / 味付玉子 | ajitama / ajitsuke tamago | Seasoned egg |
| チャーシュー | chashu | Sliced meat, commonly pork; 鶏チャーシュー is chicken |
| 特製 | tokusei | Special version; check which extras |
| 大盛 / 大盛り | omori | Large portion |
| 小 / 小盛 | sho / komori | Small portion |
| 替玉 | kaedama | Extra noodles for existing soup |
| 半替玉 | han-kaedama | Half refill, where offered |
Use a word with a clear request
替玉をお願いします。
A noodle refill, please. Keep soup for the refill.
ニンニクなしでお願いします。
No garlic, please. Confirm the shop offers that change.
Portion names and topping-call quantities vary by shop. “Small” in one shop does not establish grams elsewhere.