To Slurp or Not to Slurp? The Great Noodle Debate in Japan

In almost every country in the world, making noise while eating is considered bad manners. If you slurp your spaghetti in Italy, people will frown. However, walk into a Ramen or Soba shop in Tokyo, and you will hear a symphony of loud slurping sounds. In Japan, slurping noodles is not rude—it is actually the standard way to eat.